Communism Or Community?

Soon after becoming a Christian (in the early 70s) I stumbled upon the passage in The Book of Acts where the infant church was gathering together as one community, sharing whatever they had with one another and rejoicing in their new life as believers in Jesus. Here is the passage:

“Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.”

(Acts 4:32-35)

Wow! Is This Communism?

Coming as I did out of the hippie lifestyle as a Communist, it seemed to me that these passages must be a clear mandate for all Christians to embrace communal living. I was eager to live the life I was reading about!

But then, as I continued to read in the very next chapter, I came across this:

“But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession. And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?”

“Okay,” I thought, “this guy and his wife were thieves and lying hypocrites. They tried to deceive the Apostles into thinking they were abiding by the rules of the commune. “They were stealing from God.” I thought. But then I was shocked to read what Peter said next:

“While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.” Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last.” (Acts 5:1-4) Lying to the Spirit of God is a very serious offense. But there was no stealing going on.

It’s Wasn’t Communism!

The church was NOT a commune. The giving was not compulsory. Instead, it was a community of radically generous believers. Many people today think early Christianity embraced some form of Communism. But in reality it was simply a community of voluntary kindness. Property rights were still in tact and even the proceeds from the sale of private property were still in the owner’s hands to do with it as they pleased.

Why was the church such a generous community? First, they were fellow believers in Jesus— believing whole heartedly that Jesus had died for their sins, that He was buried and that after 3 days He rose from the dead. Jesus had commanded them to love one another. He also promised to provide for all they needed as they participated in ”the kingdom of God.”

Is that really in the Bible? Yes. Here it is: “Therefore do not worry, saying, “What shall we eat?’ or “What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. (Matt. 6:31-33).

But What Does This Mean?

At the very least, “seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” is the set of right relationships that God uses to provide for all of His people throughout their lifetime. The key is right relationships with family, church, neighbor and government.

First, as children, it means obeying your parents. They are more likely than anyone else on earth to have your best interests at heart. If your parents did not play their part as parents as they should have, I am sorry for you, but the fact still remains. Most parents dearly love their own children. For women it means getting married before becoming sexually active. Babies tend to appear unexpectedly when you have sex. So, why not use your freedom of choice a little earlier in the process by choosing to control your own body until you are married and ready to care for your child? And men, why not commit yourself to a lifelong vow of having sex? Give your wife and your children the best. This is God’s way. Finally, why make an innocent baby pay with its life for someone else’s lack of self-control?

The Return of the “Tradwives”

Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness means one parent works hard enough to earn a good living (and stay out of debt) so that the other parent gets to stay

By Gregg Harris

your neighbors. “Whatever you want others to do for you, do also for them” (Matt. 7:12). I understand this command to imply “if you were in their same situation knowing what you know to be wise and good.” Jesus said “inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (Matt. 25:2). So, be both wise and generous.

Finally, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness means showing proper respect and even appreciation toward civil government. I know it’s hard. But obeying the law, paying any taxes you owe, and following government regulations are God’s gifts of “ordered freedom” for humanity. The freedom we have to own property, choose our own livelihood or start our own businesses is the freedom our forefathers fought to protect. As government expands our freedom shrinks.

Biblical Christian Community is Not Communism, It Is Liberty!

Ananias and Sapphira did not have to give anything at all. They could have kept their property and their money. But because they were liars and hypocrites, God sent them to the locker room of heaven as an example to others. They missed out on time in this life, but, if they truly were believers in Jesus, they did not miss out on eternity in heaven.

home to nurture babies and work as a homemaker. It may be wise to start and run a small home business with the kiddos as well. Speaking of kids, seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness also means investing time, energy and money in training one’s children to be godly, wise, financially successful, AND generous adult sons and daughters. They have an obligation to make things comfortable for their parents in their sunset years—not only when their parents need the money, but because they deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labor. Also, keep in mind, you are showing your children how to take good care of you when you are old by the way you take care for your parents when they are old. That also is God’s kingdom way. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness also means participating enthusiastically in a local church. Which one? It should be one that believes and teaches the Bible faithfully. It should also be the kind of church you can count on in those times in life when you need a family of fellow believers to stand by you as you rejoice or grieve. By supporting your local church you make it strong for everyone, and then it will be there for you and your’s when you need it for marrying, burying and all else in between. Seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness also means looking out for

So, as a Christian, I don’t HAVE TO be generous. I GET TO be generous. I get to invest in the liberty of a loving Christian community under the reign of Jesus Christ. Jesus died in order to rescue us, not only from the punishment our sins deserve, but also to allow us to participate in His kingdom on earth here and now. God provides for us through all of these right relationships

So, Christianity is not a way to get rich. But it is the way God has chosen to provide for us. If your way is not working, why not start doing things God’s way? Repent! Believe! You can start right now wherever you are. If you are ready to talk, let’s talk. You can call me anytime at 503-926-1388, or stop by Silver Falls Terrariums at 403 S. Water St.

Noble Men’s Breakfast

Every Thursday, 5:30 am to 7 am at The Noble Inn, 409 S. Water St, Silverton, OR Please RSVP by text to 503-926-1388

Mark Sunday, July 23rd, for Silverton’s City-Wide, All-Church, Ice Cream Social! Details are at NobleInn.org/icecream Read past articles at www.NobleInn.org/articles.