The Servants

One of the best things about church, some people say, is not the worship services, nor the music, it’s not the study, nor the wisdom delivered by the pastor, but it is the support received from fellow members. For those who say they can worship in nature better than inside a building, I can understand their sentiment from a visual and emotional standpoint; one can’t help but stand in awe, considering the evidence of God in every blade of grass and sparkling glacier crystal. But it’s hard to know the tactile and poignant side of the church unless you have relationships with other people. One of the most amazing gatherings of Christ-followers is the Servants Class in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. I know of the class through my sister’s journey and relationship. As a group they have a commitment to each other to study, pray, travel, have fun, engage in mission work, nurture and support each other through every phase of life. She no longer lives in the area, but in their eyes she will always be within their encircling care. Even though she lives five hours away in another state, they wanted to honor their promises to her and her family, the children raised with their care as baptismal parents. I attended the baby shower they gave for my nephew and his wife and we were treated as royalty and family, all at the same time. While the gifts were wonderful, the decorations delightfully elegant, and the cake divine – the lasting impression is that I was reminded of what an extraordinary group they are. It seems they know just the right thing to say, or perhaps because they've helped each other through so much, sometimes nothing has to be said at all - just a look in the eye conveys so much trust and compassion. It may sound adulating and exaggerated, but there is something unique and consecrated about them and I couldn’t help, as we left, wishing she were closer to their nurturing and challenging care.

My prayer for the congregation?

Dear God, You are the one we seek. We witness the beauty of nature and our response is praises to you. We witness the enduring circle of life, and our response is praises to you. We witness the care and love by your people, and our response is praises to you. Let us be known as remarkable people, earning that designation through thankfulness shared openly, study shared fervently, prayer shared faithfully, labor shared generously, care shared frequently and love shared abundantly. Let us strive to be Christ followers and doers, walking and working in relationship with each other, always moving together, towards you. Amen.

"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'" Matthew 25:23