"I don't have any silver or gold for you. But I'll give you what I do have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!" (Acts 3:6 NLT)
Peter was generous with his faith. He got it; the gospel is simply too good to keep to ourselves! Peter no longer held his spiritual cards tight to his chest as he had that night in Caiaphas’ courtyard. Instead he freely offered what he possessed in Christ because he understood how powerful it was. Peter happily risked his neck to restore the lame man’s legs, and really, his soul.
Could the same be said of us in this culture? Or are we so afraid of offense that we’ve watered down our faith to a more palatable blend – barely a passable gospel. Are we eager and enthusiastic to share the salvation message or are we embarrassed and obliged? Peter and John were on their way to pray (it’s notable that prayer was their daily discipline) when this lame man interrupted their plans and yet, they were not put out! How do we respond to such disturbances in our routine?
We notice, also, how the healed man held tightly to Peter and John. Some variation of this verbiage icy included in every translation. He wasn’t hanging on for stability – he had regained full use of his legs. He was holding on to his new spiritual hearts, thoroughly convinced there was more to the story. We don’t know the lame man’s name, but I’m convinced he was born into the family of God that day. His grip on the disciples was indicative of his determination to stay with them and learn what was involved in following this miracle-working Messiah.
Being generous with our faith means making room for other in our lives: even others that we wouldn’t ordinarily associate with. Shared faith connects the old and the young, the poor and the wealthy, the fun and the serious, the thinkers and the doers, people just like us and people nothing like us! Christ becomes our common bond and discipleship is our duty.
Initially this obligation may feel burdensome. Many (if not most) new believers require copious amounts of personal attention and grace. But over time, these seminal investments shift and we begin to experience extraordinary blessing via growing believers so very different than ourselves. If you watch the Chosen, you’ll note just how mismatched the disciples seem at initial calling, but Acts ensures us, they cohesive by Pentecost.
God wants to grow His church. He doesn’t need us to get the job done but in His sovereignty He has decided to include us in the process. Perhaps it is because He nows how we’ll grow up as learn to give away our faith.
Who in your daily contact needs to hear about Jesus?
How can you prepare right now Jesus generously when the opportunity arises?
“Our faith becomes stronger as we express it, a growing faith is a shared faith.”
(Billy Graham)
“God forgive that I should travel with anybody a quarter of an hour without speaking Christ to them.” (George Whitfield)
"And I pray that the sharing of your faith may become effective for the full knowledge of every good thing that is in us for the sake of Christ." (Philemon 1:6 ESV)
"Sing to the Lord; praise His name. Each day proclaim the good news that He saves. Publish His glorious deeds among the nations. Tell everyone about the amazing things He does." (Psalm 96:3 NLT)
Lord, please forgive us for all the ways we keep the gospel to ourselves. How often we forget how extraordinary it is. Prepare us. Help us condense and practice our testimony so we are found ready when the next opportunity arises. Give us the Kingdom mindset to stay with difficult people as they learn to live for You. Amen.