Several years ago, I had a neighbor who was also deeply involved in ministry, and he shared an eye-opening experience with me.
He had been grappling with low attendance at his church’s midweek services, coupled with concerns about offerings to cover the church’s costs. His complaints seemed to go unanswered. Then, one day, as he was dressing up for Sunday service, he heard a voice inquire, “Where are you going all dressed up like this?” Without hesitation, he responded, “Sunday service, of course.” The voice fell silent.
He didn’t think much about it until the next midweek service. On that occasion, he decided to don a simple T-shirt, jeans, and a pair of slippers. Once again, the voice spoke up, asking, “Where are you going dressed like this?” His reply was, “Midweek service.” This time, he finally grasped the significance of these encounters.
It was clear that God was using these moments to impart a crucial lesson. The lesson was about attitude and expectation. He realized that he had unwittingly developed a mindset that expected more from God on Sundays, and consequently, his faith and anticipation were stronger during those services. In contrast, he approached midweek services with lower expectations.
This revelation led to a profound transformation. He recognized the need to repent and adjust his attitude. The key takeaway was that God can move, heal, and deliver at any gathering where two or three are gathered in His name. This story serves as a poignant reminder of how our attitudes and expectations profoundly influence what we receive from God.
This message isn’t just relevant to individuals; it extends to those of us involved in various ministries within the church, from the media team to the choir, instrumentalists, ushers, and even pastors. It prompts us to question whether we might inadvertently be limiting people’s blessings to Sunday services.
As we move forward from the spiritually enriching 31 days filled with revelations and our focus on “The Fundamentals,” I’d like to share a thought-provoking quote from James Clear: “We don’t rise to the level of our goals; we fall to the level of our habits.” It’s a reminder that our habits, whether positive or negative, play a significant role in our lives.
So, here’s a challenge for us all: Are we actively developing positive habits in our lives and leadership? Can I encourage you to cultivate the right attitude and habits as we engage in all our services this September 2023?
May God’s blessings overflow in your life.
Pastor Francis Madojemu
