But I can’t help but find it just a little ironic that so many Christians are vehemently opposed to the idea of socialism, considering the verse in Acts that I came across today:
Acts 4:32-35
Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.
Definitely can’t say I’m a socialist. Capitalism is what I’m used to, what I assumed was best, even though I am very much for the idea of the tax dollars of the rich going to help out the poor. So I guess I am on board with wealth distribution. But reading this, I couldn’t help but be struck with the idea that capitalism really isn’t a Christian ideal. Acts is often cited as the ideal example of what a Christian community is supposed to be like, and in this passage, all possessions are evenly distributed amongst the believers.
Now whether this could actually work in secular government - well, I necessarily don’t think so because it’s secular government, which is why I’m not really trying to drag politics into this. But I can’t help but feel like the Christians who subscribe passionately to the belief of capitalism in the terms of a secular government would not be able to give up that belief in terms of Christian community. It’s not just a switch that can be turned off, but rather something built up on the idea of “what’s mine is mine and no one else’s” when in reality, nothing is ours. All of it is God’s.
So if God blesses us with something, isn’t it the natural response to share it with others? And why does that act have to be limited to just non-believers? Why are we as supposed followers of Jesus - who lived on practically nothing while He was on earth - so selfish with our belongings and money? Why do we hold tight to our cash, refusing to give it to be who we think don’t deserve it because “they dug their own grave” or “they didn’t work hard enough”? If we are supposed to be filled with true, selfless love, why does that even matter? If anything, we should give because why need to do we have for worldly possessions anyway in light of what we have in God?
But I do realize that that passage refers specifically to a group of believers, not to an entire government system. But I just think if we should be willing to have that kind of attitude, regardless. I feel like, as Christians, we should definitely have the Robin Hood mentality. Because you may feel like you earned your money, but nope, you were blessed with it by God. I really don’t think it’s up to us to decide what we used what we’re blessed with for - I think it’s up to He who blessed us with it.
The books of Acts to me describes the ideal life. And reading that passage up there - oh, that sounds so amazing. See, I think one of the reasons for sharing all things like that is that it shows where these disciples’ true priority is. It’s not money or pride, but spreading the Word of God to all. They use money exactly as its meant to be used - to fulfill their basic needs, then they dedicate their lives to something much more important. Money is clearly not a concern of theirs. And if these believers are the ultimate epitome of believers - Jesus’ followers as their finest - then how come we don’t live like this? I say we, because I mean, I’m not either. It’s so interesting to think about it.
Because if you think about it, believer or non-believer, almost everybody exists day-by-day to make money. I don’t want that to drive my existence - no, not by any means. But we go to school to get into a good college to get a good job with good benefits so that once we’re done working for 40 years, we can have enough money to survive until we die. I can’t help but think about how much more could be accomplished with money removed from the equation. Which is hard, of course. Can’t live without food, can’t buy food without money. But I still think that our priorities could use some shifting. Our number one aim, the reason we should live, is to glorify God and spread the gospel. Like Matthew 6:33 says - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
So that’s what I strive for. I want to experience life like Acts. Sharing all my belongings and possessions with a group of believers (and the rest of the world) and pursuing God’s purpose and glory passionately with them. That’s my vision for my life in Hollywood. Christians who entertain using those talents and passions to bring people to the Lord. Living together in every sense of that word and giving away everything except what we absolutely need, and sharing in that together. That sounds like life perfected to me.
It’s a vision I’m going to believe in. One I’m gonna pray over. One I’m gonna pursue. Because I’m never gonna be happy if all I’m working for is money, and if I can’t share that I have with people.
I’m not sure if this is controversial haha I’m not really into arguing, but I felt the need to write this. Just really convicted about what God showed me through Acts, so I just wanted to share. And I am interested in people’s thoughts about this. But I’m not looking to argue. Just to see both agreeing and opposing opinions on the matter.
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