Hand in the Cookie Jar

Some months ago an extended family (parents and adult married children) placed membership and our church has ministered to them in various ways. Their attendance is somewhat sporadic and even when they attend, they often come in late, leave early, or go out in the middle of services to answer a cell phone call. Recently, while attending another church, I stumbled into these same folks and immediately recognized the, “getting caught with your hand in the cookie jar” expression that ran across their faces. There was no doubt they were established in this other congregation and my mental knee-jerk reaction wasn’t very Christian. However, after some thought there is a sense of relief. I can now offer them the hand of fellowship, without the feeling the obligation of discipleship.