Acts
of the Apostles reveals the passion of the early Christians for continuing what
Jesus Christ had started in his earthly ministry (Acts 1.1). These early
believers demonstrated a devotion that sparked radical transformation in their
worldview during the days following Pentecost. A question arises: “What was the
newly discovered passion that encouraged their change?” In the following pages,
I seek to examine Acts 2.42 as supporting the presumption that the “devotion” of
the early believers was the means by which radical transformation took place in
their lives. There is tension in living the contemplative life in Christ and
the active life in Christ. Tension between growing in Christ and living for
Christ is experienced by followers of Christ and I suggest that there is a
biblical solution for resolving this tension through a persistent devoted
nature.
Mulholland
suggests tension is natural and is like breathing in and breathing out. Humans
are created to do both. “There are not three classes of humans: ‘breathers in,’
‘breathers out,’ and ‘breathers in and out.’ Healthy physical life requires a
synergy of breathing in and out.”[1]
Healthy spiritual formation is only possible if there is direct connection
between growing in Christ and serving the purpose of Christ. “Spiritual
formation is a process of being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake
of others.”[2]
The first followers of Jesus devoted themselves to learning of righteousness,
fellowship with others, remembering Jesus, and submitting themselves to God in
prayer for the benefit of growing inward and sharing the message that Jesus
outward.
Seeking to breathe in and breathe out my devoted life to Jesus. You know I love ya, Don
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