“And their works do follow them” (Revelation 14:13).
“Pastor, my aunt Bernice would like you to visit her this week. There’s something she wants to talk with you about.”
I knew this young deacon’s Aunt Bernice. She was up in years and sickly, and while not a member of our church, she was related to several. With her years and health, I figured she wanted to talk with the minister about getting ready to see the Lord.
She did, but not in the way I had expected.
The next afternoon, as we sat in her living room, Miss Bernice said, “Pastor, I know I’m saved. I have no doubt about that. I remember being saved. But there’s something else bothering me.”
“Pastor, I haven’t done right by the church.”
She continued, “As a young adult, I got away from the church. I raised my son without the church and really came to regret it. And now I’m old and can’t even go. But if you’d let me, I’d like to put my membership in and become a member. I’ll pray for you all and send an offering from my monthly check.”
I assured her we would be honored to receive her, and took care of that the next Sunday.
On the way back to the church office that day, I asked myself, “Have you done right with the Lord’s church?”
Good question for each of us to consider.