Mike’s Musings …
Surprise Visitors!
This past week, I arrived twenty minutes early for an evening Bible study. As a car finally pulled into the parking lot, the driver was not immediately recognized. After he parked and exited his car, a smile spread across my face as I was pleasantly surprised to see a brother in Christ, a gospel preacher, a good friend, all in the body of one welcome man! I had no idea he was coming, but I knew he had a reason and would be a welcome addition to those attending this study.
Several years ago, such a surprise would have intimidated me. Our text was 1 Corinthians 15: 51 – 58. It was the sixth week this small group had met to study this single chapter, but the importance of the resurrection of the dead is so vital to our salvation, it was necessary to deliberately take our time examining Paul’s explanation. I wasn’t intimidated, but I was prayerful that he would engage the study with helpful comments, and I was not disappointed! We Christians are supposed to be prepared for such “surprise visitors.” (1 Peter 3:15)
I often muse on the subject of “surprise visitors.” Often, these are souls we’ve never met, of whom we do not know their spiritual maturity, and of whom we know only that they have chosen to attend the worship services. Are we intimidated by their presence, or encouraged? Are we instant or hesitant to introduce ourselves and welcome them? Are we thankful for their presence, or pondering why they are here, and what they want? Why not grant them the best “first impression” they can have by simply telling them your name and making them welcome? Don’t be intimidated by “surprise visitors,” but instead, let them know you are willing to help them spiritually with whatever they need!
Christians are the carriers of God’s word (Colossians 3:16). It is up to us to share that truth with every soul we meet. While some may know more than we do or have an ability to present God’s truth with a finer oration than we have, that should never stop us from being prepared to present God’s word to everyone we meet with the best of our ability! We need to remember how Christ did this: He began where souls WERE, before leading them to where they should be! He was kind and grateful for their presence. He could read their minds; we can’t do that! Therefore, we must accept these “surprise visitors” at face value and treat them as we wish to be treated (Matthew 7:12). Be glad they are here, willing to spend a bit of time with us, and let us be prepared to teach them. After all, that’s our responsibility. Let’s not disappoint Christ in our work!