"They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."
Acts 2:46b&47
Every time I read the book of Acts, I am impressed by the passion of the early church. I see them as little children with wide eyed expectation of what God was going to do in and through them. They were zealous for God and nothing would stop them from sharing the good news with all. Even if it meant their deaths, they would still move forward with the declaration of the gospel. Many were beaten, tortured, and killed. Yet they were full of joy for God. It seems that there are things we should learn about how they lived.
I think it is very important that they spent time together. In today's world, we have lost sight of the importance of being together and enjoying the things of God. I heard it said once this way: "Fellowship is two or more fellows in the same ship." We have a common love for God. We want to learn more about him and the best way to do that is to spend time with each other talking about what he has done in each of our lives. There is something special about eating a meal together and talking about the things of God. We all live such busy lives that it is difficult to find the time, but it is critical that we fellowship with one another.
When the early church ate together in their homes, they did so with glad and sincere hearts. If there is one thing I often see missing in Christians these days, it is glad hearts. We never have enough time, money, or freedom. We are so caught up in daily life that somehow gladness has taken a back seat to the somber realities of life in this world. Perhaps this is why king David said, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation." How critical it is that we be joyful people with glad hearts for what our God has done for us. It is not merely putting on a happy face, it is experiencing and sharing that deep joy that only comes from a heart that is full of God. It is with sincerity that we enjoy the presence of God and choose to live within his blessing.
The result of living lives the way the early church did is this: People will be added to our number. I sometimes think about what I might think of Christians if I was an outsider. I'm not sure if I would see an infectious joy that would draw me into their crowd. Sometimes, Christians are the most negative, discontent, angry or sad people around. I think we should check our own hearts. Are we really joyful, glad people? Do we spend time together rejoicing and praising God for his greatness? Do we present something to unbelievers that draws them to God? Don't go out and plaster on a fake smile. Instead, ask God to restore joy and gladness to your life. It will definitely change you, and it will draw others to God.
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