“I love to go to church but I can’t stand the people.” Sound familiar? If it doesn’t, you may not be listening or looking around at the different groups in the congregation. It’s a phase that I have heard more than once in my life and I have to admit I’ve been ‘one of those people’.
Huddled in my own little group, I never really looked around to see if someone was excluded. (Too busy getting myself included.) This same group seems to do all the organizing and cooking on Wednesday evenings, cleaning the parlors, weeding the gardens and organizing the children’s events.
“Well, we always invite anyone and everyone to help”. Really? I don’t remember ever picking up the phone, going by for a visit or sitting face to face with someone new to me in the church. How about you? Do you know the gifts and passions of the different people Christ has wooed and beckoned to come to church? Sent to be a part of a body of worship, kindness and service? I didn’t think so.
Anybody who joins any kind of organization has an inherent need to be needed and feel wanted. They are needed and wanted by Christ – who needs to express that love through YOU. Look around. Sit by someone you don’t know. Get off that pew you’ve worn smooth and try another one. Personally extend His kindness, His invitation to be a part of the greatest love affair anyone has ever known.
I’ll see you on Sunday. Really see you.