COMMONALITY

I Was Just Thinking About - - - 

Amid the troubled times of life, it is sometimes difficult and puzzling how to chart one’s course. There are so many opinions and self-interests shared that tend to factionalize rather than unify. A recent cause that is being championed allows some individuals an assumed right to interrupt a political public address so they can hold up their signs and raise their voices to drown out the speaker and state: “Black Lives Matter.” When someone responded that “All Lives Matter.” he was booed off of the stage. Another example are the expose videos about Planned Parenthood and how an aborted baby’s body parts and tissue are being offered for sale is reprehensible for many but continues to be endorsed and funded by the pro-choice elements in the body politic. Some states are defunding their share of support for the group whose defense is “only 3% of their funds are used for abortions.” In other words, continue to endorse and support the murder and destruction of babies since it is just 3% of their business. Where is the shock and horror on the part of a civilized and rational society? Have we, in fact, become barbaric and irrational?

What do we know about commonality and how it should work? In the online Etymology Dictionary, the following definition is given: “The common people is attested from 1580s; that of state or quality of being shared is from 1954.” Not surprisingly, the etymology from the first century is absent. A summary from Acts 2:42-45 (BTS - Berea Study Bible) indicates: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. A sense of awe came over everyone, and the apostles performed many wonders and signs. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with everyone as he had need.” This similar thought is shared in Acts 4:32-35 (BTS), “The congregation of believers was one in heart and soul. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they owned…And abundant grace was upon them all. There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need.” In an extraordinary time, the people were willing to do the extraordinary - and - the abundant grace of God was upon them all!

This was never intended to become a communistic form of government nor was it to evolve into an entitlement culture. It was intended to assist those who were momentarily in a state of transition because of their positive response to the Gospel.  As time passed in the first century, people were expected to become grounded in the faith and to become industrious as followers of Jesus Christ. A principle that was established was underscored by Paul in II Thessalonians 2: 10-15 (BTS), “For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat. Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies. We command and urge such people by our Lord Jesus Christ to begin working quietly to earn their own living. But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing. Take note of anyone who does not obey the instructions we have given in this letter. Do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.”

What did/does Jesus expect His followers to know and do? If they complied, what did Jesus assure them would result? A summary of Jesus’ thoughts is recorded in Luke 6:38 (BTS), “Give, and it will be given to you: A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” Are a generous soul or one who is niggardly (“penurious, extremely tight-fisted, mean person, miser”). To remember: God will always honor those who honor Him and His Word. Consider these things with me!