I’ve heard it said – and fully believe – that life is just one big series of awkward events.
Take my “tom boy” stage in sixth grade or the perm I got my freshman year of high school for instance – you’ve been there. I know you have.
Why am I bringing up all those memories we are trying to forget? And how on Earth are they supposed to tie into this Wednesday’s Words?
I’m glad you asked.
Several months ago Luke & signed up on the list of people who wanted to get more involved at our Church. We attended a meeting & decided we fit best on the welcome committee. We like to talk, we don’t know anyone, what better way than to welcome people. Right?
Two weeks ago Luke & stood at the front door of our church as we do every fourth Sunday. With coffee in hand & smiles on our faces we greeted. We said hello, shook hands, gave hugs, & opened doors for our fellow church members.
It wasn’t hard serving in that way, but it was awkward. Awkward like…do I shake his hand or just smile? Awkward like….I opened the door & they went through the other one. Awkward like…everyone commenting on how Luke & I matched. Awkward like…saying totally ridiculous things that I had no idea what I was talking about. Awkward like…loving on people I didn’t know.
And you know what? We loved it. God Loved it.
As many awkward encounters we had in that short 45 minutes, God was being glorified.
Those people may not have been excited about coming to church until they shook my awkward hand. They may have had a million things on their mind until my husbands polite words said hello.
Being a servant is not easy but it’s something we are called to do.
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” —Mark 10:45
As a Christian, our lives are to resemble the life of Jesus Christ. From the simple acts of prayer & worship to laying down our lives & serving God the Father. Just as Mark 10:45 says – not even Jesus came to be served but to serve, and so we are to live in that example.
No amount of awkward handshakes or weird hugs I give should stop me for serving our Lord. And more importantly I need to realize that my discomfort is nothing compared to the servants heart of Jesus!
I fully believe that being an awkward greeter is kingdom work. No, it’s not teaching the gospel in China or breaking down religious barriers in the middle east, but it is serving my brothers & sisters in Christ & maybe THEY will be the ones teaching the gospel overseas or maybe they’re simply just there to listen – either way they are loved by God & as greeters we were loving on them.
“Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Romans 12:9-13
I am not telling you this story just to tell you about how awkward it was to be a greeter. I am telling you this because I believe in serving the Lord where we are, with the means we have. I want to encourage YOU to find an area where you can serve God & others – right where you are. Maybe it’s your blog, but maybe there’s something more out there for you.
Just imagine for a moment that we live out that passage in Romans 12 – to outdo one another in showing honor, to be fervent in the spirit, to serve the Lord? What would this Christian community be like if we all did our part to contribute to the needs of others & to seek and show hospitality?
You are called to serve sister. Right there…right where you are.
What is it? How can YOU live out Romans 12:9-13?
Will you ask God to show you how you can serve him even in the simple things?
Are you already serving in your local body? How has it impacted you?
Frankly my dear…get awkward & serve your face off!
Now it’s YOUR turn to share!
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