It Takes A Community

Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.  So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.  And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
Acts 2: 44-47 NKJV

As christians, we have in common a global population of believers by our side.  However, can this world  wide group of believers actually be seen as a "Community" of believers?  Perhaps, but what really is community?  Well, far from being simply a group of people living in the same general area, there is actually a religious conentation to this definition.  The dictionary definition of Community defines it in two ways...

1~ A group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.

2~ A feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.

For the very sake of showing the definition of community and how it relates to christianity, I believe the second definition more closely resembles the vision of community that many christians today seem to want to emulate.  Of course, having a simple desire to emulate a vision of christian community and actually doing it are two very seperate things alltogether.  When it comes to christian community, the very best example I have found can be located in scripture in Acts 2.  It is here where we see the physician Luke describe the community of believers of the early church.  Of course, there are some very unique society differences between now and the time of the early church, but we can get a good example to draw from.  Do we have a specific city or area where those of the christian faith dwell?  In this faith spread worldwide, there are many areas where those who follow Jesus reside.  However, this could be seen as a worldwide "Community" of believers.  Although we do not dwell in one particular city, as the example found in Acts 2, our common beliefs, attitudes and goals definately fit the definition of community.

Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all tings in common.  And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurectiion of the Lord Jesus.  And great grace was upon them all.  Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the thhings that were sold, and laid them at the apostles' feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Acts 4: 32-35 NKJV

Of course, one can only imagine the importance of having such a large community of believers.  For if anyone among us is in need, there is another among us to provide for it.  Now, does this mean that we no longer trust in our Lord God to provide for us?  Absolutely not!  Of course, our Lords reach is not so short that He will not use the abundance of one to bless another.  For in a community of faith, God is free to use the resources of His children for the benefit of all.  I truly believe that in a true community of christian believers, that many of the government social services which we see today would simply not be needed.  What need would one have for welfare or food stamps when the basic needs of each are provided for.  Now, I reiterate that this example is one of a TRUE community of believers, of which we sadly do not have today.  What we do have today is a group of christian believers who may trust that God will provide for those less fortunate, but will take it no further than that.

The young man said to Him, "All these things I have kept from my youth.  What do I still lack?"  Jesus said to him, "If you want to be perfect, go, sell what you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."  But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.  Then Jesus said to His disciples, "Assuredly, I say to you that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven.  And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."
Matthew 19: 20-24 NKJV

What may be one of the major roadblocks to a modern true community of christians?  Well, I believe that we find that answer in Matthew 19.  It is here where Jesus makes His famous claim that "It is easier for camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God."  Judging from the rich young mans reaction to Jesus' instruction for him to sell all that he owned, it is easy to see why.  It is my belief that our Lord will always provide for our needs, even if we as christians get in the way.

~Scott~