Ask your mom or dad how well you shared your toys when you were little. They can easily think of a time or two when another toddler wanted your toy, so you clutched the prized possession in your chubby little hand and screamed an ear-piercing, “MINE!”
Before you believe in Jesus, your heart is as selfish as a toddler’s. You think that sharing cheats you out of the best toys, the best stuff. When you are baptized and God makes you part of his family, he gives you Jesus’ heart and mind, one that knows the best part of being family means you share with each other.
The Christians who lived around the time Jesus did totally understood this. In Acts 2:44-46, we hear just how generous they were: “All the believers kept meeting together, and they shared everything with each other. From time to time, they sold their property and other possessions and distributed the money to anyone who needed it. The believers had a single purpose and went to the temple every day. They were joyful and humble as they ate at each other’s homes and shared their food.”
Isn’t that awesome? Having Jesus in your heart means you share—your food, your toys, your home, your money—even without being asked. It means you gladly shout, “NOT MINE!”
Chomp on this!
What ways can you share your talents with other believers?
How can you plan to give some of your allowance back to God? to church? to charities that reach out with the love of Jesus to a hurting world? to missionaries?
