This last Sunday we looked at the issue of generosity and how, like the first church in Jerusalem (Acts 2:44-45; Acts 4:32-32), the church in Antioch began to exude generosity and care for others. What was even more amazing was the context of the generosity. The church in Antioch had just learned that crippling famine was going to spread across the world. They were going to face difficult times, no doubt. But in that context, they didn’t turn inward, but showed true compassion for others.
Their first response was not, “Oh no, how will WE take care of OURSELVES!” But instead, “how can we take care of those in a tougher position than ourselves?” The church in Jerusalem was under heavy persecution and these disciples in Antioch were only in Antioch because they had fled from Jerusalem. They knew firsthand what was happening there. Now the thought of those still in Jerusalem dealing with life-threatening persecution on top of facing severe famine was more than these believers in Antioch could handle.
I believe this is a great litmus test for us but also a great goal. We should be able to look into our own hearts and lives and see this same kind of compassionate, others-centered, love. When we face difficult times ahead, are we asking about ourselves or thinking about others in the same situation and asking ourselves how we may be able help those in tougher conditions? Would the outflow of our resources prove this heart true in our lives?
Not only a great test for our heart and actions, but also a great goal to keep before our eyes. Consider the impact it could have on our communities. We are no doubt facing some turbulant economic times. It’s been announced: stock market crahses, cutbacks, unemployment, etc. This will affect many people besides ourselves, both inside and outside our respective communities of faith. Immagine what the potential impact on our cities and neighborhoods and workplaces, if we were to put ourselves in the same position as the church in Antioch. How amazing would it be for the world to see a bunch of people concerned for a bunch of OTHER people who don’t even go to our churches? Imagine the potential for the Gospel to be lived out and shared in these various circumstances. I’m praying excitedly for opprtunities like these. What are your thoughts?
2 responses so far ↓
Jim Goodman // November 11, 2008 at 10:15 am
I have been thinking a lot about this. In the prophecy update series I kicked off this past Sunday night I spent a great deal of time talking about the church as a prophetic community to the world ‘outside’. I won’t go into a long dissertation, but there is a Kingdom culture modeled for us by Jesus that we are given the power to live in – this is that city on a hill. But like with the Y2k crisis we sit down with our welfare models and turn inward.
I was just reading about 8,000 in a single community about to lose their jobs in and around Wilmington, OH with the DHL Hub closing. Wilmington has a population of 12,000 and about 25% of the populations local employees will be laid off. The needs will be huge their and a sign of things to come if the economy continues to tank.
I wonder if churches that are doing well can provide any type of help and assistance to churches “working” in these economically devastated areas where these economic Katrinas are making landfall.
I know most churches are struggling themselves, but when I see all of these multi-million dollar renovations and building projects in this town while people outside are losing jobs, houses and such and the best the church can do is give them a number to the welfare office we are missing out and making the welfare state the city on a hill.
One idea I had that we did is we will not use church funds to buy toilet paper, paper towels and soap – we are a community and a good way to practice that is bringing into the storehouse the things we deem necessary. Here we are a church with no idea of community so toilet paper seemed to be a great object lesson in the early church. Needless to say we had a TP Sunday where people were just to grab a roll from THEIR surplus and bring it in. Our first Sunday we collected a years worth of TP and people were joyous filling the big box we put out. Seems silly and insignificant with everything going on in the world, but I do think it is these small things that I think can cultivate a larger vision as we lay the ground work for being a true community.
Sean Nelson // November 11, 2008 at 11:29 am
Jim… I like it. Sounds creative and although, like you said, may seem insignificant, who knows how God might use that build a deeper sense of community in the body. T.P. is a pretty universal need and everybody has the chance to participate. Jesus multiplied the loaves and fish in a way never dreamed possible by the person who donated. Maybe He will do the same with the desire to be more connected and multiply that among your community of faith. Thanks for sharing!