Read: Acts 2:42-47
. . . praising God and having favor with all the people. (v. 47)
The church exists in the midst of the world to be a blessing. What, then, is the sign that a church has become a blessing to its surroundings? The sign is simple. If one day the church is no longer there, and the community feels the loss, then that means the church has been a blessing. On the other hand, if the community does not notice when the church is gone or is even grateful for its absence, then the church has not been beneficial to its environment.
When the church arose in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost, God’s people lived in intimate fellowship with one another. They devoted themselves to the apostle’s teaching, gathered together to break bread and pray. Some were even willing to sell their possessions to distribute to those in need. The lifestyle of the people in the early church was a blessing not only to the members of their fellowship, but also to their community. They had “favor with all the people” (v. 47).
There are times when church development in Indonesia (and everywhere else) faces obstacles and problems, and sometimes even opposition. What Christians need to strive for is that the existence of the church can be a blessing to the surrounding community, as a testimony to the transformation Jesus offers. The church does not exist in the world for itself.
As you pray, ask God to strengthen you to continue working in the world and be a blessing to the community.
Natanael Setiadiis a pastor of Kayu Putih Indonesian Christian Church in Jakarta, Indonesia. This devotional was previously published in Wasiat, a bi-monthly daily devotional for families, produced by Words of Hope ministry partners in Indonesia. Learn more about Words of Hope's work in Indonesia.
