Life goes on. Every day, people go to work. Every night they go home. Every Sunday, some go to church. Those who go to church sit in Sunday school class, or hear a sermon about Godly living.
We are taught from childhood that Christians are a “peculiar people”, “separate”. We are taught to love others and to be as Christ was. Do we stop the
Program long
Enough to listen? But, in our life, when we go to work, or home, or to church, do we see the person next to us? Do we listen to our children, our wives.
In church and Sunday school, do we stop the program long enough to listen to any questions one might have?
When we give the alter call. Do we sometimes cut it short because we have things to do?
When someone does go to the alter, does anyone besides the pastor, or deacon go to pray with them? It’s their job, but does anyone else go?
At work, does the person next to you talk too much, or do you listen enough?
Do our children get picked on at school, or are they the ones who do the picking? Do you ask them about their day?
When you come home, do you crash, or do you make yourself “available” for any cares or conversations the rest of the family might have?
When you’re hurting, you expect everyone who knows you to stop, listen and fuss over you. Well don’t you? | Our society has taught us that time is the most important thing there is. That’s true, it is. Their won’t be an opportunity to relive it. Time is important. But many times, instead of taking time for others, we expect others to make time for us. I’ve been guilty many times. One of my children will come up and be excited about something, or need help with something and my first reply is: “can it wait, I’m busy”. Once, my son looked detached from everything (Off somewhere). You know, you’ve seen it.
I had brushed him off, and then noticed that look on his face. I asked him what was wrong. He said “nothing”.
For reasons known only to God, I pushed. I asked again. He began to cry and told me of how bad his day had been. How that no one liked him and some were making fun of him and calling him names. I almost blew a chance to share the love that God shared with me. The love that says: “I care”. I had brushed him
Off, and then
Noticed that look
On his face
I’m sure there have been other times when I have missed one of those chances. Times when my children and my wife were hurting, and needed my help. I am not perfect. But I am a Christian. I need to take more time for my family. Continued on Next Page |
