One of the greatest and strongest breakthroughs that we face is found in our opportunities to bring cheer to others. His greatest commands are to love God and others. Focus upon these two will be forever front-burner concepts.....and necessary actions.
It doesn't matter how attentive we are to Christian programming, agendas, or doctrines, there seems to be a perpetual need which should precede each of these. We need to be aware of the looks on our faces. Before you pooh-pooh this statement, try to give thoughtful consideration.
Facial expressions are seldom neutral. They convey love, disdain, joy, irritation, hope, or disinterest. Our faces are lawn signs atop arms and legs.
Why is this an important discussion? For this post's purpose, members on the edge feeling they are looking in as well as visitors might get the messages that our body billboards send. Welcome or Don't bother; either can be so easily communicated to those who look our way.
This is a deeply serious matter.
For those who easily dismiss this need with an indifferent shrug, it would seem that these wish to be a part of a church without connecting to those they do not know. This incubates cliques. Intimate friendship is one of our goals; yet, we must be reminded that there are many others who want in.
What spurs this topic on is a note I found waiting for me on my phone which was a second volley at 6:00 this morning. Yesterday a family had notified me they would no longer be attending Memorial. I inquired; specifically if it was my preaching that caused them to feel they needed to look elsewhere.
The response was that there were several things at Memorial the family appreciated. However, they felt they could not break in to the many circles of relationships already established. And then this comment, P.S. Could you please do a little something for me? In some way, work into a sermon the reality that a person's attitude toward others will be seen on their face. Our faces are telling, whether a loving smile, a glance away to avoid eye contact, or a smirk of disapproval. Thank you.
One could defensively raise many questions or pass judgment about such a statement. The truth is that congregations struggle due to the direction to which this friend points. Is Memorial friendly? Yes, to one another in most places...where people are tied in. No, not to those as this couple who sat with us and found some speaking while others intentionally avoided.
I could offer all kinds of excuses, defenses, and justifications as to why we are a people who reach to others. Yet, this note is accurate. I observe the same. For many of our members it seems there is intentional effort to hide by avoiding eye-contact. There seems to be an underlying fear of greeting others. While this is natural for some, it is not excusable.
The church is to be all about loving God and loving others. If we think that because we pass communion trays every week and sing without a piano makes us the true church, we are very far from it. Worshiping God and ministering to people; these are the issues which are before us and always will be for we simply need to be reminded. God and people deserve our obedient attention.
Try to link to others. It is a very needed ministry.
We will always need to bring a face-lift to every gathering. We can do this....and it will bring light to others.
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