Church

So we were driving to Springfield the other day to take the kids to the zoo; and I forgot how many churches are on every corner. Living in Branson, you don't see too many churches, but instead theaters and restaurants on every corner.
I was going to count how many churches and how many different names we drove by but it started to make me sad and wonder. I wonder what God thinks of all the division we have among our churches? It makes me sad how we, as the people of God, argue and fight about silly things, how we leave one church to attend another that better fits our needs, how we assume church is even about us and our needs, how we constantly forget about the poor, the widows, the orphans and our brothers and sisters dying all around the world. It makes me sad how many church buildings and names we have out there, and still so many lost and dying, so many that have not heard the name of Jesus.

Oh how I wish we, as the church, the body of Christ, were more like this.

They spent their time learning the apostle's teachings, sharing, breaking bread, and praying together. The apostles were doing many miracles and signs, and everyone felt great respect for God. All the believers were together and shared everything. They would sell their land and the things they owned and then divide the money and give it to anyone who needed it. The believers met together in the temple every day. They ate together in their homes, happy to share their food with joyful hearts. They praised God and were liked by all the people. Every day the Lord added those who were being saved to the group of believers.
Acts 2:42-47
The group of believers were united in their hearts and spirit. All those in the group acted as though their private property belonged to everyone in the group. In fact, they shared everything. With great power the apostles were telling people that the Lord Jesus was truly raised from the dead. And God blessed all the believers very much. There were no needy people among them. From time to time those who owned fields or houses sold them, brought the money, and gave it to the apostles. Then the money was given to anyone who needed it.
Acts 4:32-35