“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” Acts 4:32
The realities accomplished by the early church were nothing short of miraculous and wonderful. Innumerable people found the life-changing hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible says that there was not one who was needy among them. This church, was being the church.
When we read the first few chapters of Acts it is so easy for us to get wrapped up in all of the oneness and family. We can get lost in the stories of community and the radical conversions of thousands of people. In fact, I love to read those early chapters and dream of what that would look like for Crossroads Church, for every church.
I think though, that there is sometimes a danger in the looking back. It is easy to over glorify what was happening. Easy to get lost in their past and forget about our present. Acts chapter 5 begins with a solemn word. “But…” In light of all that was happening for that church, this is going to be a turning point. Things were going to change. Now, they were going to have deacons and business meetings! (oh, you know it’s funny)
In looking at and studying this early family- this family of strength and support. This family of love and encouragement. This family of hope and joy. We easily forget that family is often times a messy thing. That family is dysfunctional. That family has times of disagreement.
We forget that the beauty of family is not what they look like when times are good, but how they live together in the times of bad.
Many of you who will read this belong to a church. Many of you may even be struggling with belonging in that church. If I could say one thing to you, I would say this, find the beauty in the dysfunction. Find God in the mess. Don’t give up. Don’t run away. Find the beauty. It’s there. Under all the meetings and drama. Beneath the financial struggles and differences of opinion, the beauty is there. The family is there.
What do you think? What does the family look like?
Wow, Danny! Did you invade my mind and heart? This really hit home with me….and even smashed a couple of my toes. God is surely using you to speak to others about things that are often left unspoken simply because it’s easier to have them remain that way. Keep on keeping on, Brother!
Hey Mrs. Diana, thanks for leaving your thoughts! I appreciated hearing them! I’m constantly praying for your family and your searching!
Its funny how sometime I read your blog and laugh and giggle! And times like today it brings tears to my eyes! I have been working hard on finding God in my mess! And thank you for accepting my family so openly, you have made us feel at home!
I’m thrilled that you guys found a home a Crossroads. It has been awesome getting to know your family. Plus, Sam and Sidney are preparing Jessie and I for the teenage years! haha.