No man left behind
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Before I became a pastor, I was once a Marine.
One mantra Marines live by is that we never leave a Marine behind. That's because we know that every person is vital to the mission, and we will never come home without everyone.
In the Marine Corps, your unit is your family. They are the people that you live with, train with, and share the best and the worst with.
A few years ago my unit was overseas. While gearing up to move on to our next location we took a head count – a head count is taken before every movement to ensure that we have everyone – and in this moment we realized someone was missing.
We had a decision to make. Do we wait for them to catch up or find their way back, or do we go get them? They know their way, they're trained and equipped Marines; they should be able to find their way back, right? Maybe, but this isn't the Marine Corps way. So, we went back out and found him. We made sure that every Marine was accounted for before we moved on.
Just like I enjoyed being a part of my Marine family, I enjoy being at church every weekend with my church family. It's a truly amazing experience to worship alongside them and grow together as a family. But each weekend, I take a head count – and some of our family, and future family, is missing.
It may seem easier to move on as is, but that's not what God desires. 1 Timothy 2:4 tells us that God wants everyone to know Him. He desires this not just for our church family, but everyone in the world to become part of his family.
This week as you interact with the people in your life, I want you to look left and then right. Who's missing? Who do we need to make sure is with us in church (or watching online) next weekend? Who do we need to bring home?
Call them. Text them. Find them. Invite them.
Don't let anyone get left behind.
 | Sean Lord is a pastor, husband, and father. He enjoys writing about leadership, theology, and ministry. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps and currently pastors at one of the largest churches in the U.S. He spends much of his time mentoring and coaching pastors as well as leaders outside of the church. Learn More » |
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