Everyone matters in the church.
Christians cannot be separated from the local church. There are some professing believers who feel they are saved, but don’t need to be a member of the body. I don’t understand where that thinking comes from. Nor, will I address that in this posting. (It is a worthwhile discussion to have. So, hopefully in the future, we can have it) But, when a disciple is in the community of saints, others in the community should take responsibility in loving that believer. This is as natural as having a father know his children in a family. So, I would like for us to consider the relationship we as Christians should have with other members of the congregation.
I suppose that most Christians want to be helpful, caring and loving to others in the flock. The hearts of most of the saints resemble the early church in Acts 2, “And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts,…” (vv. 44-46)
Yet, not every Christian wants to be the recipient of such personal care. We can use the example of Karen, a Christian for eight years and who is faithfully serving as a fourth grade Sunday School teacher. Does anyone at her church really know Karen? Is Pastor Bob aware that Karen has been depressed ever since she was raped on her way home from work over a year ago? Why hasn’t Karen spoken to Pastor Bob, or at least to a sister in the church?
Someone like Karen may feel comfortable being “anonymous” in the church. Sure, Karen has some visibility because she is serving children. The children’s director, other teachers, children and parents know “of” Karen. But, Karen can easily get lost in the shuffle of a church with over five hundred people. She is shy and ashamed. Maybe she wants to blame God for what has happened and she wants to relieve her despair by being busy with children’s ministry.
What is the pastor and church doing to reach out to minister to one another? What are we as believers doing to “serve”, not only the ones who are likable and request help, but also the ones who want to be a ghost and don’t want the attention of others? Should we “force” ourselves on them with the attitude, “We’re going to love you whether you like it or not?” The truth is that we, as the church community must search the Scriptures and be prayerful about the work the Lord has called us to. Those of us in the Kingdom need to know everyone that God brings to our path and seek out, even the loneliest, frail and resistor of God’s love. It’s going to take humility, patience, faithfulness and the power of the Gospel. But, the hard work must be done because the Lord wants to use us to sanctify Karen.
