42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. 44 Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.
46 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, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.
What does life look like when we are really focused on the Lord? I think the first members of the church illustrated that from the passage above. They were keenly aware of God's presence, their sin and recent deliverance to salvation. There is a place for holy "fear" or reverence (verse 43). It becomes a foundation for living in spiritual health. They were no longer self-centered. They cared about each other and didn't have pride of possession in things. They had been set free from trying to "make it" through selfish ambition. They loved being with others who shared their reverence and love for the Lord. Their homes were centers of fellowship, praise and common living. Life became simpler and reduced to a sharply defined vertical and horizontal dimension. And the whole effect was attractive...momentum was built and the Lord added to His church daily.
I think we begin this way, even now, when we come to faith initially. Our challenge is to keep coming back to the simple, yet profound, awareness of our Lord and all He has done and now does for us and in us. We can help each other focus upwardly on Him through praise, encouragement, teaching and service and we can continually re-learn and be refreshed by coming directly before Him, just as they did in the first days!
blessings,
Rob Smith
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