Pinch me! Was I just served shrimp while flying economy class on Lufthansa Airlines to Bosnia? Yes, it is shrimp. Jumbo shrimp! Did three flight attendants dote on me for the seven-hour plane ride? "Anything you want?" "You need anything? I will get it for you."
This is like Heaven! At first I thought so, but then realized
no one will need to ask me what I want in Heaven--I'll already have it!"These people are well trained," I whispered to Dan. "I want to fly Lufthansa again."
Are the airlines doing a better job than our churches in making people feel loved? That's a sad thought. Perhaps Christians would benefit from the training Lufthansa Airlines offers its employees. I don't think so. What Christians need is to put into practice the training they already have through the Holy Spirit.
We have the Ultimate Instructor when the Holy Spirit controls our lives. Then, we see people the way Jesus sees them. We love them, as Jesus loves them. We discern needs and ask the right questions and see that the strangers entering our churches are comfortable, accepted, loved, and tended to.
Landing in Germany, we were greeted by a large sign reading "MUNICH LOVES YOU!" Munich doesn't love me, but Jesus does. People should sense "JESUS LOVES YOU!" when they enter our church halls. Let's care for the strangers walking through our church doors. Greet them. Ask if they need anything. Direct them to restrooms, or the nursery, or a Sunday School class. Make them feel comfortable, loved, and cared about and they might decide your church is a little like Heaven and they want to fly with you every Sunday.
I'd benefit from further comments on this topic. Let's learn from each other how we can minister to those who seek Him.
May we be a Splash of Serenity to a world that thirsts for the love only Jesus offers.
Blessings on your day!
Elaine
