City Life Starter

Written by Paul Lane

The Word

⁴² And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. ⁴³ And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. ⁴⁶ And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:40-48 (ESV)

Reflection

It is sometimes amazing to think about the state of hurry we live in as city dwellers.  We are always looking to get ahead of the car in front of us, we are deeply offended when someone jumps ahead of us in line, and if we are late public safety will take a back seat to us getting back on schedule, even though we will still end up being late.  So, showing up 12 rather than 14 minutes late seems to be our tribute to, the “I tried to be on time” penance jar.  It would never due to say, “I was late, but at least I didn’t endanger my fellow citizens.” Somehow, we have to show that we made the effort.

But, this does not sound like the community of disciples in the days of Acts Chapter 2.  When it says, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common,” (v. 44) it sounds like they were not living in a society full of one-upmanship.  It was more like a society dedicated to upholding one another.  Rather than figuring out how to get in front of someone in line, they were concerned with making sure that people were able get what they needed.

Application

So, does this make you feel at least a little guilty?  I hope so.  If not, I have not been blunt enough.  The goal here is not just to make you feel guilt, or to make you think that you have to make all of society obey Acts 2.  Although, if you could pull that off, it would be a great thing.

No, the goal here is to help you step back, look at your life, and think about what is important.  There are so many things about our lives that cause us to speed up, and it takes away from our ability to receive the love, grace, and blessing that the Lord has set before us.  I’ve heard it said that one of the main reasons Americans are late is because, at heart, being early means that they would have to wait, and waiting would mean that they would have time to think about their lives.  So, being late and then rushing is a way of avoiding deeper thought. 

So, plan early and slow down.  Allow yourself time to think about your life.  Like in Acts 2, there could be a community of awe waiting for you, and your deep thought could be trained on the wonders of the Lord rather than the emptiness that you fear.  Taste and see that the Lord is good.

Prayer

Dear Lord, I pray for peace and beauty. Give me Your peace, that I might not fear emptiness in my life.  Lead me into the plans and purpose You have for me.  Also, show me your beauty, that my mind might be drawn into thoughts of Your glory always.  Let not my mind be idle and so give the devil a foothold to lead me astray.  In Your name Jesus I pray, amen.