Pastor John D Jakes

In Acts 4 we read this incredible thing:

³² And the congregation of those who believed were of one heart and soul; and not one of them claimed that anything belonging to him was his own, but all things were common property to them. ³³ And with great power the apostles were giving testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and abundant grace was upon them all. ³⁴ For there was not a needy person among them, for all who were owners of land or houses would sell them and bring the proceeds of the sales ³⁵ and lay them at the apostles’ feet, and they would be distributed to each as any had need.

Acts 4:32-35

Let’s think about living out our God-sized purpose.  As we read the book of Acts, we see the disciples prepare in advance to minister to others.  They intentionally looked for opportunities to give what Jesus had given them to others.  It is this intentional living that separates the Biblical Christian from those who are Christian in name only. Those who only want to be called Christian live their lives morally, but without truly seeking out opportunities to share what Christ has given them. 

Paul, in his letters, compares he commitment to reaching people with slavery.  He says, “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more.” (1 Corinthians 9:19)  He concludes his thought by saying, “I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some.”  This is quite an intentional way of looking at life. We need this type of living. 

We need to be people who no longer make excuses for not sharing with others. We need to be a people who have prepared in advance to give to others. That gift may be monetary (like in Acts 4) or in presenting the gospel in ways others can hear it (like in 1 Corinthians 9). Whatever it is, we need to be ready to give. When Paul talked about giving, he urged the Corinthians church to come to give having already purposed in their heart what they were giving.

⁷ Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

Too often, it is tempting to just live life aimlessly. Parents are always encouraging their teens to think about what they are going to do with their lives. That is good advice for all Christians. We need a purpose that consumes us. That purpose should make us prepare. We should be ready to give our time, talents, and treasure to that purpose. May you have that purpose.  If you don’t, maybe you should ask the question – why? 

Something to think about,
Pastor John