Call Home
by Perry Hall
Most wives work hard, including fixing dinner for their families. If the family members want to be considerate, which scenario is acceptable:
- The husband is working late and doesn't call to let his wife know.
- The son ate out with his friends after ball practice, so when supper is ready and he is called to eat, he opts out, saying he's not hungry.
Neither is acceptable. What is missing? Community and communication.
Any group often bemoans the lack of communication from the leaders, regardless of the validity of such an observation. Sometimes, this is true, and sometimes, it is not. From personal experience in leadership positions, it is unlikely there can be too much communication. And if there is, people should be thankful for the effort.
However, should someone communicate with the leaders if they complain about the lack of communication?
When it comes to local congregations, shepherds should seek out wandering sheep. To help the shepherds, when a sheep knows they are going to miss services, would it be helpful if they communicated with the shepherds? If the leaders have a responsibility, then so do the followers.
Here are some reasons people don't communicate:
- I won't be missed.
- They won't approve of why I'm missing.
- I don't contribute to the meeting.
- I didn't know it would be helpful.
If everyone finds a way to work hard, whether by leading, participating, communicating, or encouraging, they will be missed and will not have "unexcused absences" because they are contributing.
Don't forget the verse before the one we often quote:
"And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works" (Hebrews 10:24 CSB).
Be considerate. Contribute when here. Communicate when gone. Your family appreciates both efforts. We are a community. Call home.
