they had everything in common

Each of us is unique. We all possess certain qualities or character traits that are different from one another, just as God created us to be. However, I find it interesting that in the book of Acts God describes the new believers not by their difference, but as having everything in common.

Acts 2:44 (ESV)
And all who believed were together and had all things in common.

Acts 4:32 (ESV)
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common.

Those people could have focused on themselves; their talents, their abilities, what they could do better than someone else; but they didn't. Instead they corporately focused on Christ and on spreading the gospel. They were united and selfless, generously giving to meet the needs of others. The awesome thing about all this is what came from it. God mightily blessed their efforts. Acts 2:47 says, "And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved."

They could have separated themselves by who had the nicer clothes, who made the most money, or who seemed to be more talented. But if they were focused on such worldly, superficial things, thousands of people would not be in Heaven today. I pray that right now in our churches, our youth groups, our circles of friends, we won't be separated by things that have no eternal significance. Rather, I pray that we will be united in Christ and make a wonderful impact for His Kingdom.

In His Love,
Jessica