With us all the time
To everything there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven…
Ecclesiastes 3:1 (NKJV)
I recently heard of a Christian who was complaining to some of her fellow church members that they were spending too much time with their children and grandchildren, and that they should be more committed to the work of the church.
It is understandable some may perceive that time spent away from ‘church’ is not doing the work that we have been called to do, perhaps because the fruits are not as visible. Or it may come from having too much focus on church, as a group of believers, meeting in a church hall.
The header scripture above talks about how important it is to recognise that there is a time in our lives for many things – family, friends, work, hobbies, volunteering, rest, and church. We should be able to do these things guilt free and also in recognition that God designed us to live full lives!
However, as followers of Jesus Christ, I believe it is also true that He goes with us every day, in every activity, and down every path. We have the potential to witness to every person we meet up with outside church, and when we serve our neighbours and friends, we serve Him:
‘Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you ill or in prison and go to visit you?” The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” ’ (Matthew 25:37-40 NIVUK).
And we find rest in Him when we take time to rest in his presence.
Prayer
Father, life can get so busy, and we do need to be mindful to keep our eyes fixed on you. Life has many draws on our time. Go with us as we fulfil all our commitments and help us to see your hand at work wherever we go! Amen.
Study by Sinead Henderson
Sinead Henderson attends the Northampton congregation of Grace Communion International
Local congregation:
GCI Northampton
Ecton Village Hall
78A High Street
Ecton
Northampton
NN6 0QB
Meeting time:
Saturday 10:30am
Local congregational contact:
Gavin Henderson
Email: gavin.henderson@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church