Monday, October 14, 2013

By: Rachelle Bilbo

 
That's MY Seat

John 3:16 For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.

I once visited a new church and thoroughly enjoyed the praise music, the message and the atmosphere. However, I did have a very unusual thing happen to me there...something that COULD have greatly offended me...

As I was sitting down waiting for service to begin, a lady approached the pew I was sitting on...and just STOPPED AND STARED at me. I sat up straight and turned my legs inward to make room for her to past by me assuming she wanted to sit on this same pew. BUT...she didn't move...she only continued to stare at me.

In my confusion, I stood up and asked her if she would like for me to step into the aisle so that she could get in easier. (I chose to sit on the end of the pew in case I was called out to tend to my toddler who was in children's church). To my surprise, she answered, "Well, you ARE in my USUAL seat."

As a guest of this church (and a person who has never assumed ownership to a seat), I was slightly taken aback. She continued to inform me that she had been going to this church for a while and this was her usual seat.

So...I quickly gathered my items and relocated. I was not personally offended. I actually felt very sorry for this woman...because she was allowing a seat to limit her walk with The Lord.

You see, the very thing that God wants to do through your life is far reaching. It's not meant to impact just you. It's meant to reach the multitudes...However, many individuals grow very comfortable in church and in their relationship with God.

When this happens, a person who declares to be a Christian...a bearer of the name of Jesus Christ Himself...can become so inwardly focused that they wouldn't give their seat to a stranger...in CHURCH.

Jesus Christ gave His LIFE...giving up a chair shouldn't be a challenge.

Today's verse says that God so loved the world that He GAVE His only Son. What are YOU willing to GIVE of yourself to reach others with the love of Christ? I challenge you to never allow yourself to be bound by what's comfortable or what's "usual." What God wants to do through your life extends far beyond your comfort zone AND ends in great reward!

Dear Lord, Forgive me for times that I have been so inwardly focused that I missed opportunities to share Your love. Help me to always fulfill Your call for my life.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.