Do I share?

I read this very interesting verse that hit me really hard... Acts 4:32 (NKJV) "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."

They met the needs of others out of their resources. I John 3:17 (AMP) "But if anyone has this world's goods (resources for sustaining life) and sees his brother and fellow believer in need, yet closes his heart of compassion against him, how can the love of God live and remain in him?"

Wow! It's a scary thought that if I don't have compassion, then His love does not live and dwell in me. Do I hold all I have with OPEN hands? ...am I willing to give at all times to a brother or sister in need? This whole vein of thought has caused us to realign some things in our lives. Our society tells us it's never enough... we always need something more, something newer, better... our decor is outdated so quickly... we have to update... and on and on it goes... there's always a better, more updated gadget that we need! ME, ME, ME! Feed my need for more! And so, we become so stretched financially that we aren't using our resources for the purpose He intends.

According to Acts 4:35--37, the believers would give their money to the apostles who would distribute it according to the need. What a lesson in denying yourself! We always want ownership, entitlement--give me what's my portion!

I want to do better! I pray He helps us have more of a "funnel" mentality than an ownership mentality. All that we have is His... James 1:17 says "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."