If you were present at our Thanksgiving Sharing service, did you notice anything? There arose a definite theme—the ministry of presence. Person after person, young and old, shared how others had served them, encouraged them, or been there for them in a time of need and in day-to-day life. It was such a joy to hear how God is using the Grace family in such meaningful and loving ways.
A few days after that service, I had a couple of conversations with friends who shared how encouraging it was for them as leaders when some who struggle in social settings or are in difficult seasons put forth the effort and self-discipline to be present in small group and/or church. They also shared how discouraging it is when some are more absent than present, who seem to take lightly the importance of being at group and church or being active in community and serving others, and how challenging it is to lead and care for them.
Do I consider how my presence and/or absence affects others? Do I consider that when deciding to be present or to take the time to connect with others? Or do I think, “It really doesn’t matter if I am there or not, it’s no big deal”? Is it worth the effort to purposely stay engaged, plugged in, and actively pursuing others? Does it really matter?
Yes! It absolutely matters . . . for a lot of reasons! Think about it. We have all been touched by someone. A kind word, a hug, a meal when we were sick, a text or call when we were missed . . . and it mattered! And if you want to know if it matters to your Shepherding Group leader or the Elders or Staff, just ask them. They will each tell you that YES it matters! It is an encouragement to them and meaningful to them. They notice, and it matters.
In Matthew 25:35-40, when asked by the disciples, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or sick? Jesus said, “. . . as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” And that, my friends, really is the bottom line. When serving others, we are serving Christ. When being present in community, we are being present with Christ. And scripture is packed with this truth!
So, the next time the opportunity arises to serve, jump in. If you think about someone in your group who is having a hard time, send them a text. Look around the Sanctuary on Sunday for someone sitting alone and say hello. And the next time you say to yourself, “Do I really feel like going to group? Does it really matter?” Tell yourself, “YES!!! It really does matter!”
Here are some scriptures for contemplation . . .
Matthew 10:42, Philippians 2:1-7, I Thessalonians 5:11,14, Hebrews 10:24-25, Galatians 6:2, Matthew 20:28, James 1:27, Hebrews 6:10, Galatians 5:13-14, Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
~~ Nita Hallman