Serving and Loving it

Have you ever walked into a restaurant and waited at the podium to be seated only to not be noticed? When you finally get someone’s attention, they make you feel as if you are an inconvenience for them?   To top that off you have to flag someone down just to get a glass of water. What do you do when you encounter such poor service?

We had an experience like that not too far from where we live. It took forever to get seated. They ignored us for some time until I asked for our waitress. It seemed like we were bothering her just to give her our order. Next, after waiting for twenty-five minutes with no food, we got up, found the manager and advised her of the situation, and left.  

To this day, Lynnette and I comment about that restaurant every time we drive past. People feel more at home when in finding themselves in a strange setting have friendly service. A few years ago, we visited a church at Easter with my daughter and grand-daughters.

 First, the sign on the front of the church said the services started at 10:45 a.m. We were walking into the church about five minutes early, but heard singing in the main worship area. An usher was guarding the door and so I asked when the services had started. He noted that they had started at 10:30. I said but your sign in front says 10:45. He laughed and said,  ”I guess we need to change that someday.” The church was filled for the Easter service and so I asked the usher where we should sit. He stuck his head inside the worship area and said to us, “just anywhere you can find a place”.

We were strangers to the setting, but I pushed my way down the aisle only to get looks from people who were sitting on the outside of the aisle and would not move in for us. Finally, all six of us had to climb over several people just to get inside.

Since the worship leader was singing gospel songs that I knew, I quickly began singing along. What I did not know was in that church the leader is the only one to sing the verses and the congregation sings the chorus. Not knowing the rules and guidelines, I began to sing away. You should have seen the looks that I got from people in front of me.

That ended my worship experience for the morning.

Have you ever had similar experiences? Have you ever wondered what visitors may think when they arrive at church? Are they being served and do they feel comfortable? Think about the poor restaurant service or the seemingly unfriendly church.

In Ephesians 5, we are called to “Watch what God does and then do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents” (The Message). Christ came to serve. As the church grows we must learn to serve more. A wise pastor advised us that we need to give our lives away every day. If we are to be imitators of Christ, then we need to start at home, at work, at school, and at church.

Happiness comes in service to others because it takes the focus off our own issues and problems. If you’re looking for happiness in your church home, try giving your life away in service to the Lord and others.

Funny, but it took five years and a new electric sign for that church to change the sign for the starting time of worship. Why don’t look at your church as a first time guest and see where you personally can improve and serve.