TAKING ATTENDANCE
Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)
Being seen by someone and aware of their absence has such an amazing impact on one’s life. Remember back in school when the teacher took the role, your name was called, and you spoke up with a response here or present. Looking back, it encourages me to know that most of the time, someone spoke up in my absence to say, for example, Billy is not here today. The sheer fact that someone noticed speaks volumes for some. I’ve been told many times God sees you, and that’s for sure encouraging. But my question has always been, does anyone around me see me? Are they aware of my condition in life, whether it’s good, bad or indifferent? And then there’s the comment that’s easy to say; no one noticed my absence from the last two Sundays at church, so I’m not going back! I’ve made that comment many times early in my own walk with Jesus, and even when attending church as an adult.
That was until someone asked me a very challenging question. What does your community look like? Are you part of a community group, a small group, or do you attend any events at the church? How can you expect to be noticed when you make every effort to hide and go unnoticed? Wow, what a set of questions, what a challenge. My personal experience proved those questions true; I put myself out there, and here I am, many years later, part of such a strong community. They notice my absence; they’re aware when I’m upset, mad, happy or even hurt. Having a community is beneficial for being renewed by God daily through relationships. If you want to change, you must make a move. If nothing changes, then nothing changes.
APPLICATION: As you look around in your life, especially here at church, are you part of a community? Are you a key part of someone else's community? Commit to starting small, engage with two or three people, and let them introduce you to others. Before you realize it, you’ll be part of a bigger community. That’s where you can begin to see what renewal looks like because you now have many examples.
PRAYER: Jesus, I allow myself to get comfortable sometimes with being isolated from others. Let me not forget the importance of allowing others into my life and of stepping out and being that person for someone else. Thank You for being like that in my life. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?