When our young friend Susan married and moved away, she asked me an interesting question. “We won’t know anyone in our new community. What’s the best way to meet people?”
“Hmm. First you’ll want to meet your new neighbors. You might even invite them over for dessert. When you attend church and the service ends, don’t rush to your car. Hang around afterward. Look for ways you can get involved and be of service. Join a couples’ Bible study or start one in your home.”
They did all the above and more! Susan later said they felt sort of silly that first day at church, standing in the narthex just talking to each other. But shortly another couple approached and asked if they were new! That was the beginning of a long-time friendship. They not only joined a couples’ Bible study, they became the new assistant leaders for the church’s high school youth group.
Since there were elderly people living on either side of them, Susan’s husband offered to mow their front lawns along with his own, without charge. When it snowed he would shovel their walkways in addition to his own. He said he needed the exercise and it was his way of reaching out with the love of Christ.
There are many ways to meet people and to serve God. We only need to keep alert for the opportunities around us. Moreover, fellowship with one another is good. When the church service ends, let’s remember not rush to our cars, but hang around afterward.
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Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
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SONG: JOHN 3:16-18 – Music by Kathleen:
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[This life is temporary. This life is short. When this life is over, our bodies will die and become empty shells, but our souls will continue to live forever. Where will the “real you” live? Will you live for all eternity separated from God? Or will you spend eternity in the presence of God in heaven? Learn more so you can make your most important decision: http://www.godlife.com/gospel/ and http://www.godlife.com/en/about-christianity
I love the fact that we ARE the church and we can implement this truth wherever we go…even reaching out to the world!! Great exhortation!!
Thank you, Dixie! I agree, the church is not a building, but the body of Christ doing His will.
What a wonderful way to get to know others, but most of all serve the Lord. I think I might know Susan!
You just might know Susan! I am sure there are young people with hearts for God in every church. And yes there are many ways to serve God and to get to know others. I think part of it is just being purposeful and keeping alert for opportunities.
Yes! Being the hands and feet of Jesus is a blessing to us all!
Thank you Mark. Being the hands and feet of Jesus is a nice way to put it!