IBS-Worth

July 20th 2011

Acts 2:45

"and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need." 

Selflessness. This is what I read. As the apostles and new Christians solve their things, dividing them up, and giving them to anyone who was in need I see a great example of this. They knew what was important. They had dedicated their lives to to Christ, and he was their everything. Their material possessions meant nothing to them, when before that was a part of who they were. By their goods and riches they were defined. Isn't that how the world is today? If we have a nice car, an expensive wardrobe, a beautifully furnished house, then to those around us we really seem to be something. These men knew that that wasn't the case. Their things were now no part of who they were, and they gladly gave to their brothers in need. Their selflessness, knowing they didn't want to be known individually for the things of this world, but rather to be for who they were in Christ is admirable. It's a trait I want to have. I have an aunt who reflects this trait. She'll have on an elegant bracelet or scarf, and someone might compliment her on it. To this she'll often reply, without hesitation, "Thank you! Do you want it?"

How can she be so giving and selfless with that of which she owns. Because she knows those possessions don't make up who she is. Because who she is is a daughter of Christ. Not of the things which adorn her body, or household, but a child of the living King in whom she finds her worth. I want to be like her in that way. I want to be selfless. I want to find my worth in the one who created me. I don't want to cling to the things of this world, and be defined by my possessions, but rather give freely as I know I deserve nothing  I have.

I need to make steps to give freely to others, putting their needs above my desires so I can find my worth ultimately in Jesus Christ, and not of the things of this world. 

"Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish that I may gain Christ." Philippians 3:8