Did you attend church where you are today?
And while you were there to build up the Body of Christ and spur one another on to good works, did you look around and find the new person...the wallflower...the person in need of a friendly greeting? Did you merely greet them? Or did you extend yourself to meet them?
When Mrs. Smith came in late during the hymn singing and sat next to you, did you smile politely and continue with your praise while she fumbled for the page, or did you hand her your hymnal, ready to go?
When you noticed that Mr. Black brought his young children alone because his wife is convalescing at home, did you make it your mission to serve the littlest one before she could spill her orange juice all over her pretty little dress, or after?
Or not at all?
When the return visitor entered the sanctuary for the 3rd time this month, did you pretend to remember her name? Or did you humble yourself, and care enough to ask her to remind you so that you may properly acknowledge her?
When you gather with others on either side of the corporate worship, do you seek out the popular and powerful amongst yourselves for the sake of your own political gain? Or is it your deep desire to yield your members as the hands and feet of Jesus, seeking His leading in ministering to others in ways that will never hear a thank-you during the announcements, never list your name in the credits, never propel you to be singled out for honor before the congregation.
Are you affable? Because Jesus was--Jesus was so very affable. Shouldn't we be as well?
As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men,
especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
Galatians 6:10
Galatians 6:10
6 comments:
Yes, yes Jesus was. And, yes, yes we should be as well.
And today, instead of focusing on serving and loving the children I was teaching in Sunday School, I focused on whether or not I appeared "capable" to the other adults in the room. Ugh. It's not about me, is it?
Ouch! Maybe you shoud go back to posting your pretty pictures, LOL!
Seriously, you are so right, and most days, I am so wrong: truthfully, when I get to church I'm so busy trying to organize my children and get settled in (or trying to get organized so we can leave) I hardly notice those around me. And when I'm greeted, I'm to distracted to respond properly most of the time. However, that is no excuse. We'll just have to leave home earlier and stay behind a little later. People in the body are more important. As you pointed out, Jesus knew that.
Oh Terry...you're a mother of many with a new baby! This is your season to be on the receiving end mostly, IMHO.
Loved this post! I can relate to Terry--I so often feel like my arms are full of children, and all my conversations are interrupted. I miss the days of lingering to visit. Nonetheless, this is a wonderful post, and an excellent reminder about the body of Christ working together--especially on Sundays!
Thank you for this post. So often I go to church just ready to "receive". It's easy to be lazy or shy and forget why I'm really there...
...the household of faith....
Thats one of my favorite sayings. It covers so many different aspects of life as a Christian. It is so complex, yet simple.
And you have put the spot light on an important one so perfectly.
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