“Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. (Acts 9:5)
By Ned Sickle
Michael had been an important part of our WorkLight group meetings, and over the years he had shared critical aspects of his life story. He had also counseled and supported many others in WorkLight and was a frequent attendee and leader of Challenge Weekends.
When I didn’t see Michael for a couple of weeks at our WorkLight meetings, I didn’t think much about it. Soon a month had gone by, and Michael had not attended one meeting. Perhaps he was taking some vacation or was traveling. I simply didn’t know and, in hindsight, I had other priorities and didn’t follow up with him.
What I didn’t know was that Michael was struggling with a significant health issue coupled with some serious family problems.
I was not the only one from WorkLight who had failed to reach out to Michael during this difficult time for him. The message we inadvertently sent was clear: We didn’t care about him. Our neglect hurt Michael’s feelings. As a result, he intended to leave our WorkLight family entirely.
It is interesting to me that, in the Bible passage above, Jesus could have asked, “Why are you persecuting my followers?” After all, it was Jesus’ followers such as Stephen who had recently been stoned to death.
Perhaps Jesus said “persecuting me” because we are the Body of Christ, and when a member of that Body is hurt, Jesus is in pain.
Our WorkLight groups are part of the Body of Christ. We need to take care of those relationships and support our brothers and sisters in Christ so that we may all carry out the example that Jesus taught us.
Pray
Lord, remind us that you place people on our hearts for a reason, and to listen to your prompting to check in on them.
Reflect
How can I support the body of Christ in my relationships with others in my WorkLight groups, and in my workplace?
Discuss
Do you follow up with your WorkLight friends if you don’t see them for a couple of meetings? Why or why not?
Ned Sickle enjoyed a career in management consulting and hotel operations. He has two grown children and lives with his wife, Laura, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ned is a Board member of WorkLight and can be reached at ebsickle@gmail.com.