Uplook - November 14, 2026
Dear Saints,
I've been meditating on the phrase in scripture "singleness of heart". It appears in three places, the first describing the continuing unity of believers after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and the addition of over 3000 believers. We get a small clue as to how this happened when reading the rest of the surrounding text. There was a focus on teaching, fellowship, and prayer out of which flowed miracles and unity and humility along with joy.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:42-47
The other two instances of "singleness of heart" are found in the Apostle Paul's letters to churches in Asia minor (modern day Turkey). In both instances he is speaking to slaves/servants suggesting that they are not to serve to please people but rather as servants of Christ. Paul is not endorsing slavery which was prevalent across the Roman Empire but rather reminding that no matter our position or situation, ultimately our hearts and service must be focused on Christ alone. This is singleness of heart.
Someone has said, it is your attitude, not your aptitude, which determines your altitude. If we were reminded that all of our work whether it is for pay, volunteer, or even forced should be "as unto the Lord" it might adjust our attitude a bit. Paul says it like this:
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23–24
May the Lord give us all the "singleness of heart" that was enjoyed by the early church, especially as we approach the holiday season. We also serve the Lord Christ.
God bless you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
I've been meditating on the phrase in scripture "singleness of heart". It appears in three places, the first describing the continuing unity of believers after the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost and the addition of over 3000 believers. We get a small clue as to how this happened when reading the rest of the surrounding text. There was a focus on teaching, fellowship, and prayer out of which flowed miracles and unity and humility along with joy.
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. 43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common; 45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. 46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. Acts 2:42-47
The other two instances of "singleness of heart" are found in the Apostle Paul's letters to churches in Asia minor (modern day Turkey). In both instances he is speaking to slaves/servants suggesting that they are not to serve to please people but rather as servants of Christ. Paul is not endorsing slavery which was prevalent across the Roman Empire but rather reminding that no matter our position or situation, ultimately our hearts and service must be focused on Christ alone. This is singleness of heart.
Someone has said, it is your attitude, not your aptitude, which determines your altitude. If we were reminded that all of our work whether it is for pay, volunteer, or even forced should be "as unto the Lord" it might adjust our attitude a bit. Paul says it like this:
And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; 24 Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Colossians 3:23–24
May the Lord give us all the "singleness of heart" that was enjoyed by the early church, especially as we approach the holiday season. We also serve the Lord Christ.
God bless you all,
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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