There were both rich and poor in the early church; but how did they come to become a church with no lack?
Was it as the modern churches teach today about sowing your arm and leg into ministries that care more about popularity than the needs of the people?
No, it wasn’t.
“Neither was there any among them that lacked: for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the prices of the things that were sold, and laid them down at the apostles’ feet: and distribution was made unto every man according as he had need.” Acts 4:34-35
When you are renewed in Christ Jesus, one of God’s attributes you receive is His love. So you can see how the early church flourished and had no lack—each man cared about his brother’s needs. It wasn’t about having the most blessings but sharing your blessings with those who had less than you.
Charity (pure love) was how they flourished.
The word of God says- My God shall supply All my needs according to his riches in glory.” Philippians 4:19
However, we have become a generation of wants instead of needs and many times, fail to be grateful when God does provide for our needs. Instead, we grumble because our wants are not met and most times it’s because some of us are irresponsible with taking care of our needs, which prevents us from even getting some of our wants.
God provided a plan in the Old Testament to ensure that everyone was provided for. In Leviticus 23:22 this is what he commanded. "When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field when you reap, nor shall you gather any gleaning from your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the stranger: I am the LORD your God.”
It was this command that the church in the book of Acts lived by.
God does not bless us with more than enough for just us alone. Read Acts 10:1-5 to learn what happens to those who covet God’s blessings for themselves alone.
8 Tips to remove lack from your church
Here are some tips that I think can help us restore wealth to the church as it was meant to be. However, in order for this to work, we as believers must walk in love and not selfishness. As God commanded those who had vineyards to leave back a portion for the poor and strangers in the land and you see the new church in the book of Acts selling their excess to supply the needs of those with lack— We too must follow these principles.
First thing is to have a church meeting and choose a few persons to oversee this ministry. Do like the Apostles in Acts who pray each time they choose a new leader in the church.
Once, you have decided this, open up a storeroom in your church where everything will be done and kept.
Make weekly announcements in your Sunday/Saturday services-reminding your congregation to be a blessing to another by bringing whatever excess clothing, shoes or even household products they may have. Even housing or providing food.
Don’t give what you would not want for yourself. Remember God is not mocked: whatever you sow that you shall reap.
Remember God provides our needs, so if what those who have brought to your church's new ministry storeroom isn’t something you NEED, leave it for someone who does-DON’T BE AN ACHAN-Joshua 7.
Make a list of everyone who indicates that they have a spare room in their homes and are willing to put up someone who falls into difficulty; whether it be them losing their home, having to leave because of abusive relationships or for other reasons. That way you will always know who has space available when something like that happens.
Do the same for those who have businesses or have contacts to other businessmen and women. When someone needs a job, the administrator of this ministry can link them with those business persons. For those who have businesses and get contacted, even if you don’t have an available position, you can find out what the person seeking a job is good at. Then have one of your staff train them so that what you teach them and your recommendation can help them get another job later.
Make a list as well of those who indicate that they can provide a meal to someone who needs one.
If we all can help another in our own churches with meals, clothing, a place to stay and even a job none would have any lack.
Here is a scenario; Someone loses their home in a fire and immediately there is someone that is available to offer to house that person until they get back on their feet, while another can provide some clothing. Even if the one who provides the accommodation cannot provide food, others are there to help in that area.
The problem is when we have a lot of Achans in our churches who rob those with needs because of their greed. So remember, before you start this venture, do like the apostles back in the early churches and seek God’s face first for proper instructions on how to get it off the ground and how to keep out the spirit of Achan from coming in.
We all don’t need fancy houses, expensive cars or big bank accounts unless we intend to be a blessing to others. And even with a small house and little clothing, you can still share with another. It doesn’t have to be much.
We have to walk in love for our present-day church to flourish as the early church. Get to know each other in your church and when you don’t see a member for a few services, other members should call and find out how that person is. Don’t leave it up to the pastor to announce it all the time for members to take notice.
Your church is also your family.
Question: Do you think this is a suggestion you can bring to your church administrator? And if you already have something in place how effective is it?
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