Evangelizing the Church

 ²⁶ “I baptize with water,” John replied, “but among you stands one you do not know."-John 1:26

How many will be at church this  Sunday who, though Jesus stands among us, they still do not know him? How many will be at church only out of obligation or habit? How many will sit in the pew only to count mistakes, look for offenses, complain at being slighted? How many will be carrying heavy burdens even as Jesus stands beside them with outstretched arms aching to take them and bear them? 


We tend to think that evangelism is bringing the un-churched into church, and indeed we should.  But there is also much evangelizing to be done within the church.  There are so many sitting in our pews for all the wrong reasons.  And they are not always easy to recognize.  After all, only God knows our hearts.


So we must teach one another to recognize Jesus in our midst.  With many, we only have an hour a week in which to do so.  So on Sunday mornings we should welcome one another a bit more warmly.  We should hold our criticisms of one another for a more appropriate time.  We should invite those we don't often see outside of worship into Sunday school with us, or to any special up-coming church events.  If you are involved in a specific ministry at church keep inviting new people to help.  


It's through being an active church member that we are more likely to recognize Jesus standing among us, so we need to encourage one another to be active.  It is through serving one another that we see Christ, so encourage one another to serve.  It is through giving and sharing that we notice Jesus, so encourage one another to give and share.


Lord Jesus,
You are always standing among us.  Help us to see you and know you.  Help us to teach those around us to see you and know you as well.  Amen.


Joys:  Some time off of work; continued gorgeous weather (I know it has to end some time... :/ ); sleeping late