If you take a moment to survey our culture and society, I’m certain many words or phrases come to mind. Interestingly enough, three words come to my mind: unity, division and choice. When a natural disaster hits the states of Texas and Florida or Puerto Rico, I’ve witnessed people coming together for the common purpose of saving lives, providing relief and assisting with the recovery. When a report flashes on the evening news about a missing person, I’ve seen people from all walks of life come together to do all they can to find the person. I see the word unity in action.
But there’s another disturbing trend I see at the same time. Unfortunately, I see division in action as well. Whether it’s cutting through cultural, racial, religious or economic lines, marks of division have stained the fabric of civil society. Most recently, we’ve seen the divisions in the arena of social justice and race relations. Even in National Football League, we are witnessing in real time a growing debate about the kneeling and standing for the National Anthem. While this debate continues, what concerns me deeply is the silence of Christ followers. Rather than simply arguing from a political position, we have a biblical mandate to be reconcilers. While we have those taking a knee, why aren’t we advocating the power of taking both of our knees and seeking God in prayer? And while we have those who champion taking a stand, why aren’t we advocating to taking a stand against injustice and prejudice?
I submit to you that the emerging generation is uniquely positioned to use the Word of God and minister to our generation the power of unity. We have the choice to either be unified in common resolve or divided by our own partialities. In Acts 4:32-34, we see a beautiful illustration of the Early Church coming together with the purpose of following Christ:
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all.
When I read this portion of Scripture, I see three lessons that can serve our generation and its challenges well.
1. UNIFIED IN SPIRIT
First, I see a people unified in spirit. In the earlier portion of the book of Acts, we see an outpouring of God’s Spirit. This outpouring led to miracles and encouraged others to share their faith. But, this revival and outpouring led to actively caring for one another. When we are truly unified, it’s discovered by how we treat one another. We cannot say we’re unified in one breath, a treat our brother and sister with disdain. You were not called to form a clique; you were called to be a part of a community. And community has diversity. But diversity is not a vice or a problem. Diversity serves to compliment one another. Do you only hang out with only people like you? If so, you are sure to miss the value of learning and growing from others who cause you to re-evaluate and reassess why you believe what you believe.
2. UNIFIED IN STEWARDSHIP
Second, we see the believers of Christ understood everything came from God. The understood the power of being unified in stewardship. A steward in the ancient world was a person who was given the responsibility and authority to rule over the affairs of the household. The key word in this definition is given. A steward was given responsibility. A steward was given authority. It begs the question, “Who is the giver?” From the Scriptures, it makes it plain that God is. God has not only provided you with things, but He has equipped you for purpose. If we are going to be unified in purpose, we must discover our own. One of the questions I receive most often is “What is my purpose?” I understand why the question is being asked, but it also demonstrates how much power we put in people to tell us what they think we should do. If my purpose comes from God, it’s wise to go to Him first and ask in prayer.
A Personal Story & Recent Encounter with God
Recently, our Christ Church team had a three-day in-house retreat. Our lead pastor, Dr. David Ireland, asked each of us to ask God, “What do you want to say to me?” We each went to areas in the room that allowed for private space. And I asked God that question. My expectation was that I would hear, “Ryan, you are my son and I love you” or something to that effect. Not quite. Nothing of the sort. I did not hear the audible voice of God but a phrase was impressed upon my heart that I knew could only come from God. “Nothing is yours. Everything is mine.” I was a bit taken aback and took offense. I knew all belonged to God (in my head) but to receive those words without the “affirmation sandwich” (you know, share a compliment, then say something critical and end with a compliment) was a bit alarming …until I examined the words closely. It was freeing once I heard the Spirit of God and not only the words. “Nothing is yours. Everything is mine.” It meant just that. The striving and reaching for things in other places is useless when He is the source. And even the pain I face, He reminded me that – yes, that’s mine too. Why are you taking on those burdens when I He said in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast your cares upon me because I care for you.”
We are stewards. It’s not ours. It’s God’s. He has given us the privilege to carry it. And as we come together as young adults and the now generation, we have the privilege of being unified in purpose, stewarding the biblical mandate of being one with God.
You were not called to form a clique; you were called to be a part of a community.
3. UNIFIED IN SHARING OF FAITH
Anytime I read about the Apostles, like in Acts 4, I think of superheroes on a mission. Oftentimes, we tend to place them on pedestals. But please understand that sharing their testimony in the Early Church was not easy. It was risky. And the Scripture says with great power they shared and with great grace they received. Acts 4:32-34 reminds us of a powerful truth. Great power is linked with great grace! In order for you to do what God has called you to do, He will give you the sufficient grace you need to do it. If God has called you to do something that seems out of reach, it is a sign that He will provide the grace for you to reach it! But it takes faith in Him and it will require boldness to share your faith with others.
Sharing your faith is not a dogmatic, theological exercise. Sharing your faith is an opportunity to express in relatable language your story: what your life was like before and after entering relationship with Christ. It may not sound like a perfect Hollywood story, but its a story worthy of Heaven’s praise! As a generation, let’s ask God for courage to share how He has changed our lives. Let’s boldly share our imperfections and how God gives great grace when we fall short. Let’s confidently declare that Christ lived, died and rose from the dead for all to experience a loving relationship with God, our Father.
When we unify in spirit, in stewardship and sharing our faith, we’re ever closer being the generation that changes the world.
Ryan E. Faison is the College and Young Adults Pastor at Christ Church in Montclair & Rockaway, NJ. Ryan also serves as the Executive Director of Young Adults United, a Kingdom-minded movement of young adults ministries in New Jersey. Ryan is passionate about equipping and empowering the now and next generation. Follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @RyanFaison and on his website at www.RyanFaison.com
