“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24 NKJV)
Two young co-workers often eat lunch together in the company cafeteria. Like all the other employees who no longer have to abide by the “BE QUIET AND EAT” rules enforced in elementary, they have conversations every day and talk about a variety of subjects. On Monday’s, part of their talk included sharing how their day was at church on Sunday, the Lord’s Day. Both of these workers described their experiences with excitement and more than a remnant of joy from their church experience. Their exuberant and enthusiastic way pf talking about Sunday’s service was a sight to behold. Their joy in the Lord was apparent to anyone listening at the nearby tables. They were not ashamed and made no effort to hide their conversation from others within listening range. Good for them, right? More of us ought to share our experiences with others or share openly about how uplifting it was to be in the special presence of the Lord. May be church decline will slide back the right way and be “reversed, reversed!”
One of the co-workers presents a proposal, “If you are not obligated to render a service or sing in the choir, let’s plan to visit each other’s church one Sunday.” The other co-worker reluctantly agrees, but pointed out that each of them should still submit their tithes and offering to their home church. The response of the co-worker that had the proposal was, “Absolutely!” They arranged a couple of days, two consecutive Sundays.
They follow through, keeping their agreed upon arrangement. After the visits were complete, one of the co-workers said, “Your church was so quiet.” The other co-worker responded, “Your service was so loud, so long, and the sound coming from the mouths of those in the congregation, expressing praise was something I was not so comfortable with at first!” As their conversation continues evaluating their experiences, they started to sound like little a remix of Goldilocks and the Three Bears for a brief moment. You remember that story don’t you? “This one is too soft!” “This one it too hard.” “This one is just right.”
The good thing is there was no disruptive arguing, no debate filled with contention, and no dispute about which church was best. Coming out of their mouths, almost at the same time were words similar to, “In the final analysis the word was preached ,and Jesus Christ was lifted up!” These were young people, talking about church, pointing to preaching, and not ashamed to speak the name of Jesus during a Monday lunch time break in a crowded cafeteria. They were not embarrassed to do so, regardless of what people might say or think.
Their churches were different in worship style, but they both worshipped the Lord in spirit and in truth. Now if these two young co-workers could find common ground and talk openly, obviously about their faith, honestly, can the same be said for you and me? Okay, I’m not messing with you, just challenging you, as well as myself. And when we do engage in conversations like the two young people, don’t focus on differences, but focus on the “common denominator” that you share, in the final analysis. Have a great Tuesday! Be blessed!
“There is a brotherhood within the body of believers, and the Lord Jesus Christ is the common denominator. Friendship and fellowship are the legal tender among believers.” (Quote: J. Vernon McGee)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King