Acts 4:³² 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. ³³ With great power the apostles gave their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. ³⁴ 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. ³⁵ They laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. 

Here is an interesting description of the early Christian community and their practice of shared property. Logically this makes sense. If every good thing comes from God then it’s all a gift of grace. And I can understand how this arrangement, applied with integrity, could be a great blessing. That said it cannot help but to bring to mind 20th century communism and how poorly that form of government functioned. Granted, that was mostly atheistic communism, so it is not the same as what is described in our passage. And, of course, a form communism that embraces elements of capitalism and private property is alive and well in China.

I wonder if I would have enough trust to live in such a community – not trust in God, but in people. I don’t know. But it is an intriguing idea. Lord teach us to share our material possessions in ways that honor you. We ask it in Jesus’ name. Amen.