Sunday Morning: Be There!

 Earlier this month, I came across a story I knew I had to share with you: 

"There is a church in England that has no lights.  Many people who visit the church are shocked that the architect left out something as important as overhead lighting.  But the architect had a plan.  The various families who regularly attend the church are given their own pew, as well as a lamp and a book.  When a family comes to church, their lamp is lit.  If they are not in church, the pew is dark.

(Here are a few pics of St. Peter's Chapel in Bradwell, England, to give you an idea of what the church might look like.  I researched online and could not find the specific church mentioned in the article.)


What difference can one darkened pew make?  Not much, you might think.  But what if several pews were lacking lamps?  Then the whole church would be affected.  It's obvious.  If all are present and in their pews, the church is alive with light.  If not, the place becomes dark.

What a beautiful picture of the body of Christ!  If any one of us is not using the gifts God has given, there will be darkness; but as we use our gifts, the whole body will be full of light.  This is how intimately we are linked with one another.  That's why the Lord made it a command -- He had made us a light in order to shine for the sake of others."*

You are a part of the body of Christ.  An important part!  Without you, it cannot function properly.  You have a special skill set that only you can bring.  Just as your eye cannot say to your hand "I don't need you!," you are needed in order for your church to function properly.  Like the exquisitely designed human body.

So...

Be There.   

Every Sunday.  

Light up your little corner of your church and take part in the awesome adventure of the Body of Christ! 

"Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life." (Philippians 2:16)

*This story was taken from Joni Earekson Tada's devotional book, Diamonds In The Dust.  I highly recommend it if you are looking for a new devotional book.  This particular excerpt was taken from Christian Fellowship for disabled magazine, New Zealand, No. 58, November 1992, p. 2.