Loosening My Grip

Scripture – Acts 4:32-37: ³²All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. ³³With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. ³⁴There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales ³⁵and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need. ³⁶Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), ³⁷sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Reflection: – What would happen if we all re-captured that mindset. There is so much emphasis placed on “owning” things these days. At some point, if I’m not careful, my possessions begin to possess me. I work at protecting them. I find myself holding onto them with an ever-tightening grip. And it becomes like they are holding me.

These early believers didn’t do that. In fact, they did just the opposite – they loosened their grip on their stuff. So they were free from the power of their possessions. They were free to share whatever they had with one another. “There were no needy persons among them.”

I guess I hang onto things because I’m afraid if I let them go I’ll lose them. Yet God has always provided for my needs. If I keep the basic truth in mind that God is the owner of all things, I can’t really lose anything. So I’ll thank Him today for my daily bread, and I’ll loosen my grip on the things in my life.

What things do you hold onto? What would happen if you let them go?