Holding Back
By Chris Gregor
I have always been impressed by how our nation responds to adversity. Whether is it a natural disaster, an economic crisis, or even a war – once the initial shock has worn off, the natural inclination of most Americans is to roll up our sleeves and get to work. Some will toil on the front lines, while others support them with their time, energy and money. We pull together and make the sacrifices necessary for the good of the whole. We know that we have something special and are willing to pay the price so that our children may have it too.
Now, I did say “most” Americans. There will always be those individuals that will take advantage of the moment to act selfishly. Their primary motivation is to turn a profit or accumulate resources for their own use (and yes, toilet paper hoarders, I’m talking about you). The well being of their fellow man is given lip service but betrayed as soon as no one is looking.
In the book of Acts, we are told of a time when all the believers came together with one heart and one mind to pool their resources for the common good. It wasn’t easy being a Christian at that time – many were being persecuted, and many were very poor. But they shared a faith and they shared a hope, so they willingly shared their possessions to make sure no one was lacking. Except there was one couple who gave the appearance of altruism, but secretly were holding back some money for themselves (Acts 4:32-5:11).
It didn’t end well for them. Not because they didn’t want to give away all their money, but because they wanted everyone to THINK they had. They enjoyed all the benefits of a loving and trusting community but didn’t want to commit to the responsibility that came with it. All too often, people refuse to devote their best effort to the most important areas of their life – to their career… to their marriage… to their health. The very best of what they have to offer the world is left unseen and unused.
What happens when we hold back from God? There is a sacred trust between believers and their Savior. He promises to forgive our sins, answer our prayers, strengthen and support us in our times of need. And in return: we give of our time and money in service to others, we forgive those who injure us, we prepare ourselves for His guidance. What if we decided to serve only when it was convenient, or to give only our spare time and money, or to forgive only when it felt justified? What if every believer decided to hold back for themselves the things of value and only gave what was leftover?
When we look out at the world, we see selfish behavior everywhere – in politics, in business, in entertainment. If only there were a place where people felt secure enough to trust each other; a place that brought out the best in people and encouraged them to share their best with everyone else. If the church is going to have a significant impact on the world, it needs people who are dedicated to the ministry of Jesus Christ. People who are committed to roll up their sleeves and get to work. And not just a few.
We all want to live in a world where God’s love is present and active. But that world will never happen if we are content to hold back the best of who we are.