Ever attended a church where you felt unwelcome? I Have! Spent Saturday afternoon looking at the outside of the buildings and making sure I could find my way there with my half open Sunday morning sleepy eyes. Whispering a prayer at each location I would ask God for direction as to which church to return to for worship. What a shock to enter the building, a few minutes early, and suddenly discover that I was the invisible man. Not a handshake or hello, not a good morning to be heard. Lots of people rushing around getting ready for something and from the looks on their faces, it was going to be serious. Maybe the preacher had just passed away, a cancer found, a leaky roof over the kitchen or some terrible news beyond human endurance revealed. Being around church most of my adult life I just lowered my head, in respect, and quietly took a seat.
All of a sudden the music started, everyone stood up, and an avalanche of joy and laughter filled the room, So I joined in and filled my spirit up to the brim. Good worship, good preaching and praying sure lived in this place. Then, just as quick as it started, it quit......bang......it was over. I was so filled with blessings I wanted to tell everybody how good I was feeling, but, to my surprise, the whole group went silent. Not a handshake or hello, not even one amen.
Not one single person ever spoke. I looked for the preacher at the door......he was not there. So, I went on my way, sad, alone and confused........after all my effort to be on time, to pray for God's direction and to try and fit in..........the sign in the church was wrong.........."The Friendly Church".........had a bad day.
Why did God send me to this UN-friendly place? He opened my eyes to a need in that place and spoke to my heart.......go back.....go back and be the friendliest person you can be to EVERYONE!
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