You Don't Belong Here

I once went to a community event and saw someone that I wanted to talk to. As I visited with the person, they were with a group of family members.  Although I hadn't interrupted anything, I couldn't help but feel like I was intruding.  I'm selfish with family time, myself, but this was more than that.  I also don't analyze situations or people to much, as in how they make ME feel, because I try not to think too much of ME in any situation like that. But, I just couldn't help getting the feeling, "You don't belong here."

Later, as I was visiting with someone else, I mentioned that odd feeling.  They, too, had gotten that feeling at times, from that same family.  It's probably unintentional.  Most things like that are, yet it still puts off an odd feeling vibe that makes me think.

Hmmm...."You don't belong here."

There's a wonderful song we sing.  I love the meaning and the lyrics.  It's by The Collingworth Family.

We’re part of the family

That’s been born again

Part of the family

Who’s love knows no end

For Jesus has saved us 

And made us His own

Now we’re part of the family

That’s on its way homeAnd sometimes we laugh together

Sometimes we cry

Sometimes we share together

Heartaches and sighs

Sometimes we dream together

Of how it will be

When we all get to heaven

God’s family

Using the scenario above....when I felt like I didn't belong...imagine a family visiting your worship services on a Sunday morning.  They come in and perhaps are greeted with a hello at the door, but no one else speaks to them. No one asks them to sit near them. The songs may be new and they may not recognize them.  They may not really know many people sitting in the pews.  People look at them and smile, figuring that someone else knows who they are...or they're related to them.  No one offers to take them to eat lunch. No one invites them back. No one asks anything about them.  They just kind of smile or nod and go on their way.

Now, what do you think will happen when this family gets to their car? What will they talk about on the way home?  Will they mention the unfriendly atmosphere? Will they have felt welcome? Will they feel like anyone cared?   Will they feel like I did:  You don't belong here?

Maybe in this scenario, the family wasn't yet "part of the family". Maybe they weren't Christians yet.  Would they want to be, after being in the service and not feeling a part?

You see, the way we act is important, but the way other perceive how we act may be even more important.  As we scurry around doing all we need to do as we live our lives, we must be aware of those around us. How are we appearing to them?  No, we can't make everyone happy.  We can't please them all, but let's make sure - for certain - that we aren't making anyone feel as if they don't belong.  If we do, in the spiritual sense, why would they ever want to belong?  That certainly wouldn't look like the church Jesus died for, would it?? No.  Not at all.  Jesus died for God family - where everyone is welcome.  Jesus says, "You belong here.  I will forgive any sins you have ever committed.  Come and follow me."