Today’s reading is Acts 5.
In America, it’s a political season. Unfortunately, people on all sides co-opt as much of the Bible as possible to act like they have the rubber stamp of Jesus. The problem is the New Testament isn’t a political book. Neither is it an economic primer. The New Testament wasn’t written to get us to vote a certain way. Neither was it written to explain the best economic system for a country. In all of this, there is one major error though that I hear repeated again and again. That is, the early church was a socialist community. Folks read about how the early Christians and members of the first congregation sold their goods, laid it at the apostles feet, and then let them distribute to all who had need. “Aha! See! Socialism!” But then we get to Acts 5:4. When Ananias and Sapphira lie to the church, the apostles, and to God Himself about how much the land they sold brought in, Peter says, “While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal?” Peter patently supports private ownership of property. The property did not belong to the community. Entrance into the community did not demand turning over all private possessions into the public till. By the way, this demonstrates that not only was Christianity not Socialism, it wasn’t a cult. What we see in the early church is not Socialism; it is Fellowship. It isn’t Communism; it is Generosity. Frankly, I don’t have a spiritual dog in the political and economic fights of our present earthly kingdoms. What I am concerned about is accurately representing Scripture and refusing to twist things for my own or anyone’s political gains. The early Christians were generous, hospitable, and full of fellowship with one another. They weren’t entering a commune or abandoning principles of private property ownership. If you want to be a Socialist, that’s your business. Please, don’t use the early church as your reason for doing so. Instead, use the early church as your example for being generous and hospitable whatever your country’s economic policies.
Tomorrow’s reading is Acts 5.
A Word for Our Kids
Hey kids, don’t lie. It’s just that simple. And while I am tempted to say that you shouldn’t lie because it will always be found out and you will be judged, that isn’t really the point, is it? The point is lying is wrong. Even if it would never be known by anyone, even if somehow you could hide it from God, it is wrong. Lying is not wrong because it hurts others. Lying is not wrong because it will get you into trouble if you get caught. Lying is wrong because it distorts the image of God we are supposed to represent. Lying is wrong because it actually changes the heart of the liar. Certainly, the fate of Ananias and Sapphira is a warning to you. Don’t lie. Tell the truth. That is the kind of people we want to be, honest, just like our God.
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