A FAMILY CARES
The single family (called “nuclear” by the experts) of parents and children would have major problems if no one was concerned when one of the members was absent from a meal or missed just one night at home. The message, “It’s 10:00 PM DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR CHILDREN ARE?” has been used to encourage parents to think of their children and their responsibility (Tommy’s note: Isn’t it sad that this must be done — to remind parents to be parents and watch out for their children?).
God’s family MUST show concern and love, or it is a family in name only. For Christians who love one another the statement, “It’s Sunday, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE?” stimulates love. When we ask you, “What happened last Lord’s Day?” or “Is someone sick?” the motivation is love. If we did not care, we would not ask. Surely you would rather be asked to many times, even to the point of annoyance, than to have nobody miss you, because no one cares.
We should miss someone when they are not here at worship. There are times when we are busy when we might miss someone who is sick or who has a death in a family. We still are not able to head off every instance of weak faith which is causing someone to slowly drop out of the family. But we care, and we want to do better about watching out for one another.
Often as family we get so busy living our own lives with all its problems, trials, and difficulties that we neglect others. Such should not be the case. The church is here to encourage one another. The church should be there when there is sickness, or a death in the family. The church should watch out for warning signs in those who are beginning to stray or aren’t as faithful as they need to be. Again, it is not with the attitude that “I want to tell them what to do” as much as “what can I do to help you keep the faith, bolster your faith, and encourage you to active service for the Lord who paid for us with his own blood?”
The next time someone calls on you to let you know you are missed, remember that we are a family, and we love you. We really do miss you when you are absent. If there is an illness or a problem that we can help with, we want to know it. You are not an orphan with no one who cares, you are a part of our family.
This love must be stimulated and cultivated. If you really love your family here at South Cobb, you will know the answer (or will soon know it) to the question: “It’s Sunday, DO YOU KNOW WHERE YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS ARE?”
Adapted from Don Jackson, via The Kosciusko Keynoter, 1/26/1983
“LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR . . . “
Jesus said that the second greatest command ever given by God was: “Love your neighbor as yourself.’ (Matthew 22:39). Once he illustrated this command with the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this case he showed that the good neighbor was the one who helped the man in need.
The home of the bereaved is usually flooded with food, cards, flowers and visitors. Everyone wants to show their love and concern in whatever way possible. At times of death we try to help and, although we often feel inadequate in showing how much we care, we act as a good neighbor. Such times of tragedy bring out the neighbor in all of us.
What about the other opportunities we have to be a good neighbor? Loneliness, prolonged illness, or other times of discouragement are opportunities to be a good neighbor. A phone call, card, visit, etc., anything to provide a word of love and encouragement, simply to say “I care.” One of the best compliments people can give the church and to Christians is “they care” or “they were there where I needed someone.” Let no one say, “Where were you when I needed you?”
If you stop to think there are many times when you can be a good neighbor. Be a neighbor to someone today (James 4:17).
Don Jackson Kosciusko Keynoter 1/19/1983