Fire in our hearts - Jesus Army

FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
AWAKE O ZION!
In Britain the ‘Jerusalem model’ was dropped in favour of a
moderate version of ‘community lifestyle’. Arthur Wallis wrote:
‘The world is waiting to see God’s alternative society... the
spirit of community living is being restored.’
We felt that was great! But speaking of the early churches
he qualified it: ‘This is not to suggest they... had extended
households... Nor did the sharing of possessions mean that
they necessarily relinquished possession of their goods.’ 47
It was true that not everyone outside Jerusalem was so radical.
Not only did slavery and persecution hinder community,
but the early churches had their difficulties. The fact that
Paul could write, ‘everyone looks out for his own interests,
not those of Jesus Christ’ (Phil 2:21) indicates a key problem
— the waning of first love.
Some have said that the church has enough problems without
adding community to them. But we felt immeasurable richness
was lost by this stance. As others took one pace back,
we found ourselves fighting a lonely battle.
However, church history was ablaze with ‘pilgrims of the
common life’ and we took heart from their example. Generations
after the apostles, Justin Martyr wrote: ‘We who formerly
treasured possessions now hand over all we have to a
common treasury.’ 48
In the deserts, communities arose that housed thousands
and were centres of power. One old saint wrote: ‘We thank
God for the sweet fragrance of submission and true sharing.
We have surrounded ourselves with the wall of salvation which
is love for God and the call to community, that we might walk
on earth according to the ways of heaven.’ 49
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