“A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly….”– Prov. 18:24
Churches, like families, are always under threat. There is always something trying to divide the members and distract from the ministry. It can be anything from personality differences to major offenses. What starts out as a minor matter can mushroom into a major mess. Not only does it disrupt lives, it can spread like a deadly cancer affecting everyone it touches. So, we must be vigilant at all times.
Sometimes the worst problems develop from what starts out as a little thing. Sometimes just ignoring people, holding them at arms length, can hurt them worse than a slap in the face or a verbal insult. What you think goes unnoticed doesn’t. It might surprise you if you knew how much some people watch you and long for your attention. Just a few kind words from your lips would make their day, and yet you walk by them with your nose in the air, or sit in stoney silence rather than greeting them. And then you wonder why they never return.
Sadly, some people don’t matter to some people. All they care about are those in their little clique. They don’t reach out to others and others aren’t welcome in their group unless they contribute to their happiness in some way. As Christians we ought to care about people more than that. I’m not saying everybody should be your best friend, but you ought to do your best to be friendly to everyone. What if God treated you like you treat others? We should be thankful that He is no respecter of persons and that He loves us unconditionally.
It is amazing how some members of the church treat others. It is no wonder that churches are troubled and hindered. It is amazing to think that God would add anyone to a church like that! We all should, at all times, consider our attitude and actions, considering how we make others feel. Remember, without love we are nothing ( 1 Cor. 13:2), and we profit nothing (1 Cor. 13:3). People aren’t looking for a friendly church, they are looking for friends. Show yourself friendly—make the connection! — HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
