Through my life I’ve asked a lot of questions, including ‘Will
you marry me?’ and have talked to a lot of people, but there remains a question I’ve never asked. ‘Do you
want fries with that?’ doesn’t count, because it’s on a totally different
level. In all seriousness, it’s a question that could forever change a life.
Fear hasn’t stopped me from inquiring about, why the third hand on a watch is
called the second hand? And other irrelevant questions, yet I’ve shied away
from ever asking anyone to church.
I’ve been going to church for as long as I can remember, I
even enjoy it, most weeks. Yet, I’ve never felt compelled to invite someone to
share in it with me. Politics and religion are two taboo subjects, but I can
openly bash Obama to others, but not introduce them to Christ. We, even myself,
often say too much, but also not enough. When I eat at a delicious restaurant, read
a captivating book, or watch an addicting TV show I spread the word so others
can partake. However, when I attend a spiritually uplifting church service, I
just go home and take a nap…after going out for lunch. Why? Yes, to never watch
‘Breaking Bad’ is sinful, but to know about Joseph is much more beneficial than
learning about Walter White.
Religion is a sensitive topic, I feel like those who don’t
go to church have their reasons. Who am I to change them? If they wanted to go,
there are plenty of churches around, they don’t need me to ask. Plus, I really
don’t want to be viewed as a religious freak who is all about church and stuff.
Who wants to be around a person like that? I give no thought to the positive
difference the invitation could bring to their life. Maybe they want to go, but
just need that extra nudge and comfort of knowing they will at least know
somebody there.
The sad truth is, I’m willing to bet (Gambling isn’t always
sinful, the Catholics do it), that we know a lot more people who don’t go to
church than who do. There’s plenty of people to ask to choose from. The current
series at my church has been about how we can reach the unchurched by being the
church as the hands and feet of God. Act Godly, by treating others with
kindness and generosity in all aspects of life, while at work, at play, at the
grocery store or wherever you are. Smiles are contagious and just a few kind
words can make a big difference in someone’s heart. We may be the only
representation of Christ that some people ever see.
This world is full of hate and suffering, just imagine the
differences that could be made if the love of Christ was shed a little
brighter. People are more familiar with the 50 Shades of Grey than the Ten
Commandments. Kindness can make a huge difference. The shooter in the recent
South Carolina tragedy claims that he almost didn’t do it, because everyone in
the church was so nice to him. If, and granted it’s a big IF, but IF he hadn’t
fired a single shot then nobody would have ever even known what almost
happened. Consider this, what if you being kind to someone stops them from doing
something hurtful. Smiles and kind words are free, we should all give them out
more often. Doesn’t that sound like a world in which you would like to live?
I attend Christian Life Center, Little York Campus, and I
extend an invitation for you to come, or to attend a church of your choice. I’m
also going to try and write some occasional spiritual posts, as there really is
nothing more important to talk about, even with the new season of ‘Orange is
the New Black’ now on Netflix.
