Elemental: S2 - Day 33

1 Corinthians 5:20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as  though God were making His appeal through  us.”

So, I’ve been thinking. If human beings are  so much better off living in a community  of faith and we’re called to love others well,  shouldn’t we place a high priority on inviting  others into this family? Isn’t it an incredible  act of selfishness to live with such benefits  without attempting to share?
 
But if you’re like me, the invitation process is  uncomfortable. It feels invasive and sometimes  a bit judgmental. It’s like we’re saying, “I know  better than you,” or “Your life is in trouble.  Thank goodness I showed up to rescue you.” I  want to come across more like a friend who has  tried a new ice cream shop, knows you would  like it, and wants to take you there.  

The key in the middle of that sentiment  is the word friend. I’m not interested in mass  advertising my Christian faith—mailing  meeting invites to a series of zip codes, or  porch-bombing neighborhoods with flyers  from church. I’ve decided it starts with making  friends, not guilting or scaring people.
 
The other day I had a fun interaction with  a workman servicing the HVAC system at our  new Chattanooga facility. He was on task but  pleasant. We ended up on the roof identifying  units that supplied the nine sections of the  building and discussing various things. We  became familiar and struck up a good rapport.  

Back in the church lobby, our coffee team  leader was training a new barista, and lattes  were coming off the machines with nowhere to  go. So, I asked Mr. HVAC if he’d like one. “They  are really good,” I said. A delicious cup later and  we were into conversation about his family  and the difficulties of his wife’s pregnancy. I  was surprised by the tears welling in his eyes.  He wanted to know more about our church,  so we talked about music that he likes, the convenience of a Saturday morning service, how  good the children’s programming is, and that, yes, there would be more tasty espresso drinks  and donuts. It was easy to say, “Man, you should  bring your wife sometime. We would love to  have you with us.”
 
I don’t know if he’ll come to worship. And  that’s not the point. The point is how easily an  invitation slid off my tongue. I couldn’t help  myself. And I know he was comfortable, that I  added value to his life. Before he left, he asked  me to pray with him for his wife and unborn child.

I sure wouldn’t mind seeing Mr. HVAC again.  He feels like a friend.
 
1. Where have you eaten recently that you  could take a friend for the first time? 2. Do you find it easy to talk about shows  you like to watch, a sporting event you  attended, or music you listen to? In what  circumstances do you do that?
3. When was the last time you invited  someone to your community of faith? Was  that easy to do? Why or why not?