For the last few days I’ve been pondering over situations affecting the lives of a few older friends and that of a recently deceased aunt; and wondered if any blog writers or readers have encountered similar problems.
Let me start by saying: Since this problem deals with the church, I don’t want this writing to reflect a negative image or black mark on any denomination or Christian congregation.
I know we’re all busy, but as Christians are we busy with the right things?
It seems, we as church members and church managers have become so complacent in our respective church positions, and sanctuaries that we don’t have the time or energy to minister to the aged/elderly, visit the sick/shut-in, take care of the widows, or provide for the needy.
I really don’t think God intent for us to establish so many in-house church programs that all we do is go to church, and socialize with our own church members. I was taught at an early age, as a Southern Baptist that the Mission of every Christian is to spread the gospel of Jesus and explain the way to Salvation. How do we do this, when we are always at our own church?
My saddest awakening for the last few days was when I discovered, my three older friends (ages 68, 75 and 94) who are Christians and confined to their homes – have had no visits or calls from church members, or church managers for months. My 84 year old aunt had not been to church in ten years, but continued to mail her tithes on a monthly basis. Guess what? Althought, the church received and cashed her checks, no one from that church ever visited, called or delivered Holy Communion to her. Why would a pastor or church officials act like this?
I am reminded of the following scripture:
Matthew 25 (New Living Translation)
Verse 36 – I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.
Verse 37 – Then these righteous ones will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?
Verse 38 – Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?
Verse 39 – When did we ever see you sick or in prison, and visit you?”
Verse 40 – And the King will tell them, “I assure you, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”
What about the charge that Christ gave us (Christians) when we accepted Him into our life?
As a child growing up in Georgia, I remember church deacons and missionaries visiting the sick, shut-ins, and elderly members every Sunday after church services, and I was usually in tow-mode on many occasions.
The question is: Are we really doing what God commanded us to do as Christians? Prior to this writing, I’ve returned to my childhood training and plan to stay on track. Already, I feel so much better after sharing this mental burden with you.
WHO CARES? I Do!
If you want to know more about “What Do Southern Baptist Believe?” Click on the above image.
Tags: caring for others, Christians, church officials, church within church, communion, pastors, Responsibilities, shut-ins