All InSample

I love movies. I love watching a talented ensemble cast allow each other to become the focus of a scene whenever the script calls for it, despite the egos and accolades of the actors and actresses involved. 

When I think of the early church being of “one mind,” it makes me think of Captain Nathan Algren (played by Tom Cruise) in the Last Samurai. In this incredible film about honor, loyalty, compassion, and sacrifice. A broken down, drunken American captain who lost his entire company in a crushing defeat is lured out of retirement into a battle that is not his own. And although he fights valiantly, he is ultimately captured by a courageous, yet secretive, sect of Japanese Samurai... the last of their kind. During his captivity he begins trying to understand his captors, including training in Kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship). During an intensive training session, Algren is knocked to the ground again and again and again. Finally, his friend tells him, “Too many mind.” 

In this moment, the captain finds something he did not expect. Algren realizes that distractions from everyone and everything around him are causing him to lose focus on the fight directly in front of him. While mastering his focus, the captain without a company finds something he did not know he was in search of... a community who accepts him despite their many differences and despite his crippling past. Sound familiar? 

"Day by day continuing with one mind in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they were taking their meals together with gladness and sincerity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord was adding to their number day by day those who were being saved."

When I think of the success of the early Church, I dream of the possibilities today. What real problems could the Church end if we were all in and of one mind? How many real people could the Church love, serve, and help if we were all of one mind? 

The power of one mind in the Holy Spirit unlocks the potential of the Gospel. Let’s focus all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength on the One and then see what happens next.