Reflecting on Acts 2:42-47“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people.” (Acts 2:46-47)
I’ve always understood this passage as a checklist for a successful church.
This list was reduced to worship, discipleship, fellowship and outreach.
Though stewardship was highlighted, not to the extent of this early church.
Do these things the right way, and the Lord will add to your numbers daily.
I no longer look at this passage this way.
The thing I notice now is “with glad and sincere hearts”.
They were sincere – authentic – with what was in them.
They were experiencing the freedom of grace, and it made them glad.
There was not pressure to do anything, no checklist to follow.
They did what came naturally to their joy-filled hearts.
All my life I’ve performed church as a checklist, the things I need to do.
And worse, I’ve preached this checklist christianity to others too.
If following Jesus isn’t about love, joy, peace, all our works will be hollow.
When we experience love, joy and peace, our lives naturally change.
We will do the kinds of things mentioned here, and other things too.
PRAYER
Lord Jesus, I want to experience this Pentecost blessing of Your love, joy and peace overflowing in my life. Release me from the checklists that weigh me down. Release me to live and love with a glad and sincere heart.