Awkward Moments
Things have been very busy and we are excited to see what the Lord is doing. This last Sunday we had planned to have a meal and then a second service around 2:00 where we would observe the Lord’s Supper. Because we had the flu earlier in the week and it was going around town we decided that we would postpone the second service and Lord’s Supper. Becca began calling people on Friday afternoon to inform our Church people about the change in plans.
Sunday morning was running just as smooth as could be when one of our ladies showed up late with a crock pot full of noodles and chicken. I was standing in the front directing music when she walked in the back. Because of physical layout of our church the only way for her to get to the kitchen with the food was to walk from the back of the church down the center aisle to the front and go through a door just to the right of the platform. As she walked down the aisle with her crockpot you could see everyone’s response. I think everyone felt a bit awkward. I opened the kitchen door and continued to direct music as if nothing was wrong but when we finished the song it was time for the announcements. The only announcement this Sunday was the postponement of our second service, meal, and Lord’s Supper.
For those of you who have experienced situations like this before you realize the potential problems a situation like this could bring. After making the announcement and apologizing for the lack of communication the lady who brought the food simply chuckled and laughed. There were grins and smiles all across the auditorium and I couldn’t help but smiling. My wife had left a message on her home phone but do some technical issues with her answering machine she did not get the message.
I was very pleased with the gracious and loving response of our people. It turned out just fine because she was visiting some of her family that afternoon and had intended to make a meal for them. She graciously left enough for our family to have a hot lunch and then took her noodles to her family. Her noodles being plugged in simply stayed warm during church until they could be taken. It all worked out and it didn’t appear that anyone was offended. All I can do is praise the Lord.
Fuel For The Devil’s Fire
Situations like the one just described often become the basis for the Devils accusations. The Devil will whisper in your ear, “They didn’t think enough of you to call you.” or to someone else “If I was in charge that would never happen.” After the Devil plants seeds in our thoughts we can let the grow and develop until everything that is said or done is colored with dark negative colors. As believers we are called to bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Our minds, if not submitted to the Spirit, will curve everything to the negative and destroy our fellowship with brothers and sisters in Christ and with God.
Has anyone ever ignored you or gave you a cross look and you thought they were anger or upset with you? Do you respond by assuming they are upset? Do you begin interpreting their actions through that glass? The person who ignored you or gave a cross look may have been oblivious or deep in thought and if they knew how you interpreted their actions would have apologized profusely because they meant no such thing. This only shows the desperate need for us to exercise the Love of Christ. Love, as a gift of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 13:7, “Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” The essence of 1 Corinthians 13:7 is that Love does not assume the worst but it assumes the best.
Have you allowed the devil to create mountains out of mole hills in your mind? Churches have been split over minor issues and livelong friendships have been destroyed over frivolous misunderstandings. Try, through the Spirit’s enablement, to bring every thought under the captivity of Christ and show the love of Christ.
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