The Tie That Binds
My Dear People,
"Now the whole group of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed private ownership of any possessions, but everything they owned was held in common. With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as owned lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold. They laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need." --from the Book of Acts (4:32-35)
I was reminded of this passage this week during a conversation with a diverse group of Richmond faith leaders. We were talking about the common good.
The question was asked, "Can we have integrity, as people of faith, and not be committed to working for the common good?"
Surely the answer is: No. Plain and simple. We are given blessings to share. Period.
When religion, or faith, or spirituality, or whatever-we-want-to-call-it, becomes a private matter, it is corrupt and hypocritical. Even death-dealing.
Religion (from the Latin religare "to bind fast") is what binds us together. Religion is always about us, about we, in the fullest sense. All humanity. Indeed, all creation.
Or so God would have it.
Your brother in Christ,
Wallace+
