Accept and extend invitations to join a community
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors, God making his appeal as if it were through us. We (as Christ’s personal representatives) beg you for his sake to lay hold of divine favor (now offered you) and be reconciled to God.”
— 2 Corinthians, 5:20 (AMP).
Growing up in a Christian household, I attended Sunday school and church each Sunday morning. I experienced the feeling of community as I prayed and worshipped with the fellowship of a congregation. As an adult, with the busy lifestyle of raising a family and my personal goals, I drifted away from my old standard of Sunday morning church.
Oftentimes, even though I prayed each day, I sensed the need for something more to pacify my spiritual hunger. I had loving friends and a supportive family, but there was still something missing in my life.
One day, my friend recommended that I try the community of a church family. She mentioned one by name that was close to my house. I pondered over the idea, but I wasn’t exactly sold on it. The old thoughts of hypocrisy and standards I couldn’t meet crossed my mind. However, God was nudging at my soul through the invitation of my friend.
Not long after this, I met an older gentleman who walked with a limp and a smile at the local grocery store. He asked me if I attended church. He said that he went to one where the Spirit of God was alive and active, and then told me the location and the hours of worship. It was the same church. But I was still not convinced.
However, one more nudge from God grabbed my attention when I ran into an old friend who invited me to her church; with this invitation I realized all three people were inviting me to the same place of worship.
The day came when I entered that church building. Throughout the service, I rejoiced, as worship music resonated through my soul. I was brought to a deep respect of God’s ways, with the reading of the word. This service brought back the taking of Communion, becoming part of a community, a prayer and the power it brings. I found a new relationship with Christ and a love for Sunday morning church services.
Reflecting on this makes me glad my friends weren’t too shy to extend an invitation to me.
This time of year, I’m reminded that it’s harvest time. It’s a good reminder to us to harvest some souls for Christ.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.