Elemental: S2 - Day 33
1 Corinthians 5:20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.”
So, I’ve been thinking. If human beings are so much better off living in a community of faith and we’re called to love others well, shouldn’t we place a high priority on inviting others into this family? Isn’t it an incredible act of selfishness to live with such benefits without attempting to share?
But if you’re like me, the invitation process is uncomfortable. It feels invasive and sometimes a bit judgmental. It’s like we’re saying, “I know better than you,” or “Your life is in trouble. Thank goodness I showed up to rescue you.” I want to come across more like a friend who has tried a new ice cream shop, knows you would like it, and wants to take you there.
The key in the middle of that sentiment is the word friend. I’m not interested in mass advertising my Christian faith—mailing meeting invites to a series of zip codes, or porch-bombing neighborhoods with flyers from church. I’ve decided it starts with making friends, not guilting or scaring people.
The other day I had a fun interaction with a workman servicing the HVAC system at our new Chattanooga facility. He was on task but pleasant. We ended up on the roof identifying units that supplied the nine sections of the building and discussing various things. We became familiar and struck up a good rapport.
Back in the church lobby, our coffee team leader was training a new barista, and lattes were coming off the machines with nowhere to go. So, I asked Mr. HVAC if he’d like one. “They are really good,” I said. A delicious cup later and we were into conversation about his family and the difficulties of his wife’s pregnancy. I was surprised by the tears welling in his eyes. He wanted to know more about our church, so we talked about music that he likes, the convenience of a Saturday morning service, how good the children’s programming is, and that, yes, there would be more tasty espresso drinks and donuts. It was easy to say, “Man, you should bring your wife sometime. We would love to have you with us.”
I don’t know if he’ll come to worship. And that’s not the point. The point is how easily an invitation slid off my tongue. I couldn’t help myself. And I know he was comfortable, that I added value to his life. Before he left, he asked me to pray with him for his wife and unborn child.
I sure wouldn’t mind seeing Mr. HVAC again. He feels like a friend.
1. Where have you eaten recently that you could take a friend for the first time? 2. Do you find it easy to talk about shows you like to watch, a sporting event you attended, or music you listen to? In what circumstances do you do that?
3. When was the last time you invited someone to your community of faith? Was that easy to do? Why or why not?
So, I’ve been thinking. If human beings are so much better off living in a community of faith and we’re called to love others well, shouldn’t we place a high priority on inviting others into this family? Isn’t it an incredible act of selfishness to live with such benefits without attempting to share?
But if you’re like me, the invitation process is uncomfortable. It feels invasive and sometimes a bit judgmental. It’s like we’re saying, “I know better than you,” or “Your life is in trouble. Thank goodness I showed up to rescue you.” I want to come across more like a friend who has tried a new ice cream shop, knows you would like it, and wants to take you there.
The key in the middle of that sentiment is the word friend. I’m not interested in mass advertising my Christian faith—mailing meeting invites to a series of zip codes, or porch-bombing neighborhoods with flyers from church. I’ve decided it starts with making friends, not guilting or scaring people.
The other day I had a fun interaction with a workman servicing the HVAC system at our new Chattanooga facility. He was on task but pleasant. We ended up on the roof identifying units that supplied the nine sections of the building and discussing various things. We became familiar and struck up a good rapport.
Back in the church lobby, our coffee team leader was training a new barista, and lattes were coming off the machines with nowhere to go. So, I asked Mr. HVAC if he’d like one. “They are really good,” I said. A delicious cup later and we were into conversation about his family and the difficulties of his wife’s pregnancy. I was surprised by the tears welling in his eyes. He wanted to know more about our church, so we talked about music that he likes, the convenience of a Saturday morning service, how good the children’s programming is, and that, yes, there would be more tasty espresso drinks and donuts. It was easy to say, “Man, you should bring your wife sometime. We would love to have you with us.”
I don’t know if he’ll come to worship. And that’s not the point. The point is how easily an invitation slid off my tongue. I couldn’t help myself. And I know he was comfortable, that I added value to his life. Before he left, he asked me to pray with him for his wife and unborn child.
I sure wouldn’t mind seeing Mr. HVAC again. He feels like a friend.
1. Where have you eaten recently that you could take a friend for the first time? 2. Do you find it easy to talk about shows you like to watch, a sporting event you attended, or music you listen to? In what circumstances do you do that?
3. When was the last time you invited someone to your community of faith? Was that easy to do? Why or why not?
Pastor Dave and the Series Guide Writing Team
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Posted in 1 Corinthians
1 Comment
The topic of being a disciple of Jesus gave a different perspective. Thank you for a great message; I have been an Adventist my whole life, and even as a Pastor's child I was always annoyed with the whole preaching to others because I felt exposed or not great with many "theological" explanations. However, I enjoy having gatherings with my students and preparing projects; perhaps this is my way of preach.
(There is a typo on the verse for this day; instead of 1 Corinthians, it should be 2 Corinthians.)