Community and Individualism can't go together

"All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had. With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had neeed" Acts 4:32

A couple of months ago I had the distinct privilege of meeting with some fellow brothers and sisters from South Africa. They described to me what life was like in their village before the "white men of the west" came in and changed them. One of the men, we will call him Max communicated that nothing had labels- everything was shared. In the village, if there was food in one hut then all were welcome. Your child was raised not only by the biological mother, but by all members in the village. Everyone had a right to help raise your child. If one needed help, then all would help. If one had a party- then all were welcome. There was absolutely no sense of ownership or individuality-… it was shared, communal, and it was a beautiful picture of how God desires us to live.

These people were not tied down to their own possessions. They were ruled by a sense of community and love for each other. Their worth was not built up by material junk. They did not clutch onto their IPOD, or their house, or even their families. These people operated out of love for one another. There was freedom in that.

It wasn't until church workers from the West came into their little village and displayed to them what "Christianity" looked like according to the American way. It wasn't until we (from the West), in our egocentric minds went over to a group that appeared to be so different than us (not having real homes, no developed language, no sanitary places, no "clean" food, lack of clothing) and we "errored" on believing we were better than them. We came over and yes, did teach them truths from the bible. Yes! Praise God! However, we also miss led them and displayed to them the importance of individualism- of ownership. After our visits over, their people experienced a great change. The family structure changed. Their bond vanished along with their care for each other. Aggressive greed settled in. They have been changed and the generations have been mourning ever since.

Max and everyone who has been touched by this monster of greed, selfishness, individualism, and rebellion- I ask for your forgiveness on behalf of myself and on behalf of my country. I confess that I have been prideful placing a high importance on material possessions. I confess that I have believed that people are better off if they have more, or if they are physically cleaner. This is wrong, it is a lie. Will you forgive me for this pride, this arrogance? Forgive me and my brothers and sisters before me who have led you and your children astray with our lack of obedience to the scriptures. Forgive us for taking away your sense of community. And last- Will you please forgive us for neglecting you? We came in, decisions were made for the Lord, and nobody stayed behind to feed you- to give you direction and guidance, to build you up in the word. I am so deeply sorry for this. Please forgive us.

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: 'The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me' For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

"Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God's truth, to confirm the promises made to the patriarchs so that the Gentiles may glorify God for his mercy, as it is written: 'Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing hymns to your name'...… May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:1-9