What Can I Bring?

Everybody have a great weekend, and keep this in mind as you go to church on Sunday. :)

“Colossians 3:16, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (NIV)

Devotion:
All good southern girls know that when you get an invitation to dinner at someone’s house, your affirmative response should be followed by “And what can I bring?” (Translate this being said in a southern drawl.) Even though your hostess may graciously provide all of the fare, it’s just the polite thing to do.

So many times that’s not our approach to church attendance, though. Instead of contemplating what we can bring to the gathering, we are mostly focused on what we will get from the service. We arrive empty handed and often leave feeling disappointed if the music didn’t suit our tastes or the sermon didn’t move our souls.

Scripture tells us that we’ve got it all wrong. I truly believe that by coming to church with our hands full of gifts for others, that we will leave more filled up than ever before. Let’s take a look at how we can contribute according to Colossians 3.

Teaching—Teaching is always a challenge, because you have to be very well-versed in your subject. What a challenge for us! To come to church with something to teach, I have to study God’s Word all week. When I’ve learned personal lessons from His Word, then I have something to share.

Admonishing—The definition that I believe most closely fits this usage is “to give friendly earnest advice or encouragement”. How can we prepare to admonish? I think prayer is key here. Often as I pray for someone, God gives me ways to encourage them or places to direct them in His Word. When we spend time listening and conversing with God during the week, He prepares us to give the gift of admonishment at church.

Singing—Some of you may be thinking that your singing wouldn’t be considered a gift to the church. I think the key may be the last phrase—“with gratitude in your heart to God”. Gratitude and thanksgiving are definitely a gift in the body of Christ. If we come in with a heart that has been counting our blessings all week, we are ready to point others to Jesus. That is truly a gift. Plus, for all of us “joyful noise” folks, robust congregational singing really is a heart lifter.

I’m challenging myself this week to get over my “what have you done for me lately?” view of the church. Instead, I’m going to treat Sunday morning as a spiritual potluck, and I’m working on taking something tasty to share!

Lord, help me to take something to share to church this week. Help me to focus on others instead of what I can get. I trust you to fill me up! In Jesus’ precious name, Amen.