“Yet you have dishonored the poor. Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into court? Don’t they blaspheme the good name that was invoked over you? James 2:6-7
It was unthinkable. Twenty years of hard work and dedication ignored. Downsizing they said. That was months ago. Twenty resumes sent, six personal interviews, and four zoom meetings but still no job. He was getting desperate. Entering the church for the very first time in his life he was searching. Dressed business casual in his favorite dress shirt and pants, shined shoes, trying to look all together, he was filled with questions: Is there a God really? Does He know my need? Does He care? How could this be happening to me? Why am I even here? Can I find some sign of hope? Any sign…
Hoping to go unnoticed she went through a side doorway. Wearing her cleanest clothes, a simple skirt and blouse and in her best sandals. Flip flops really. She hoped her oversized blouse would hide her growing belly. Six months pregnant and alone. Parents were deceased. He wanted her to get an abortion. How could he? Is this how he demonstrates his love? That was the end. Now confused, desperate and in need of love, acceptance, and encouragement, she had come to the church she had passed many times on the way to work. Those people always looked happy. Maybe there is hope.
Will two people dealing with life’s challenges find hope in the church? Will they be welcomed, accepted, encouraged, and given hope? Will they feel the presence of God? Will they be assured God knows their need and can be trusted?
Which will the people of God gravitate to first? The nicely dressed business professional or the humbly dressed woman in need. They have both come to the church looking for hope. Searching for God. In desperate need. Will they find it?
God focused worship, Biblical preaching, prayers offered to the God of all creation will all make an impact. The key however, to anyone entering church looking for God will be in the response of His people. A genuine smile, a warm friendly handshake with eye-to-eye contact, and an obvious first-time acceptance as they enter will make the real difference. If they have snuck in through a side door, did someone seek them out? Ask any questions? Show any true care or concern? Does the congregation appear to be in worship or just singing familiar songs? Was the pastor’s message believable?
It’s the people who make the difference.
Blessed by you…Bro. Sherman
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