DEVOTION: Hey did you notice?

As I sat and watched the glow of the dwindling fire during the Wednesday evening firewalk in the outdoor labyrinth this quote came to mind, "Church-goers are like coals in a fire. When they cling together, they keep the flame aglow; when they separate, they die out.” Billy Graham (1918– )

At Monday evening’s Bible study we explored some of the letters of Paul to fledgling churches throughout the Middle East. He wrote to the church in Philippi about joy and rejoicing. Paul wrote: Philippians 2:2 - 5 (NRSV) 2 make my joy complete: be of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. 5Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus,

On Sunday in church I invited everyone to NOTICE. Joy comes from looking to the interests of others. It is part of our responsibility when we claim our place in the Body of Christ. Notice who is visiting the church for worship or church school. Notice who is standing awkwardly by themselves in coffee hour downstairs or next door waiting for church school to come to an end. Notice who is missing from church or church school for the past couple Sunday mornings. “Look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others.” Notice them and get to know their stories. If they are new, help them feel at home. If they look alone, help them feel a part of our community. If they are absent, give a call just to check in, no guilt or shame, just a call to let them know you were concerned.

This week I am sharing this for both the adult devotion and the family devotion, because this is a part of our faith for all ages. Joy comes when we step outside our own circle of friends as well as our own circle of needs and extend God’s love and hospitality and compassion to others. Practice that this coming week.