(2) The Preacher says, "I’d like to ask Bubba to pray ...

(2) The Preacher says, "I’d like to ask Bubba to pray for the

offering" - and five guys stand up.

When I lived in my old town, a group of us guys that were friends called ourselves “The Bubba’s,” and even our wives could tell which “Bubba” we were talking about by what the conversation was about. I rode motorcycles, another one constantly fished, another one loved to eat (almost anything) and another one was just crazy as a loon and half blind from an eye disease.

When I read this, I couldn’t help but picture all 4 of us standing up and looking at each other to see who would start off. Thank goodness we were all in different churches, or this could have easily happened! LOL

Consider this though:

What would happen if the pastor were to say, “I’d like to ask the Christians to pray for the offering?” How many would stand up? Would most of your congregation sit in their seats for at least a few moments before they realized that it was they that were being called upon, or would they jump up immediately?

Sadly for some, they may start to stand immediately, but for many reasons they will sit in their seat until they see someone else stand, then they will.

These are the same people who will stand around in a group of people and will not say anything although the language and/or topic may not be appropriate, or the gossip will be mean and cruel (usually is, isn’t it!). When someone finally walks up, hears the conversation, speaks up, then they will jump right in there and criticize too. (and we wonder why people view Christians as hypocrites!)

Christians! Let’s start to be 24/7 Christians. Keep in your minds all of the time that you are to be Christ-Like in your thoughts and your actions. Then when you are called on, either by name or title, you’ll be ready next time!