Beautiful.

On Sunday, Pastor Sam shared that in Acts 2:42-47 we see several components of devotion in the early church. These are the characteristics of what our pastor termed "the beautiful (attractive) community":

• attention to apostolic doctrine;
• fellowship;
• atonement (reconciliation);
• prayer;
• sharing with one another in order to meet needs.

If we engage in all these devotions as a beautiful community, then we will find that others are drawn to us by the desire to share this experience of authentic Christianity. But, of these, perhaps the most compelling devotion is the act of giving. Pastor Sam said (in commenting on the devotional life of the Acts 2 church): "The beautiful community will liquidate things in order to establish people."

There is a verse in Acts 2 that shows the extreme, extravagant giving of the early church: "They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need." (Acts 2:45) Divestment is a public announcement that one is willing to be content with less, for the sake of the other. And, let's not restrict our amazement to those who sold homes and lands. Whether someone gives away a home or a handbag, the act is unusual in a world where self-preservation is the norm.

But, there is a passage in Acts 5 that warns of the danger of divesting with impure motives (Acts 5:1-11). Ananias and Sapphira, sadly, have an eternal epitaph of having lied to the Holy Spirit. On the outside, from the view of man, their sale of their home seemed like a great gift to the church. But God, looking at their hearts, saw that their desire for man's praise had overtaken their desire for God to be glorified.

As we reflect on giving, and indeed on all devotional life, as evidences of a beautiful community, let us remember that God's intent is for our beauty to begin on the inside.

Do I give my attention to apostolic doctrine?
Am I involved in both large and small group fellowship? (Acts 2:46)
Have I experienced forgiveness and reconciliation?
Have I extended forgiveness to others?
What is the state of my prayer life?
Am I a giver?
What is my motivation for being a giver?

All Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.®Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.