If you saw someone crying outside of your local grocery store or shopping center, what would you do? Would you stop, empathize, and encourage her or him, or would you walk by as if you didn’t see her or him crying? What would you do if one of your co-workers, close friends, or classmates shared her or his burdens with you? Would you minister to her or him, or would you just invite her or him to church, hoping your pastor would have a word to ease the pain?
Recently, I’ve grown to realize that the greatest work of the church is outside of the church. We can get so addicted to the Sunday morning experience that we forget about God’s ability Monday through Saturday. You don’t have to be in church for God to move; He can move wherever He finds a willing vessel. This is the message Jesus shared with His disciples before returning to Heaven. He told them, “… go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, New Living Translation). In other words, Jesus reminded them that His power is not limited by location; He can move everywhere!
This recharge is a challenge for us to get up from the pews and out into the world. Your job, community, school, web site, Facebook or MySpace profile, favorite restaurant or mall are all potential sanctuaries. Be available, for I’m a witness, God can reach someone through you!
God bless …