Many First Readers announce at each service in a Church of Christ, Scientist, "The members of this church welcome you." But how do we as church members and regular attendants really feel about those of bizarre dress, of different colored skin, of poor reputation?
Should any of these enter our church edifice, do we bid them welcome with love, or do we feel smug contempt? Are we glad that God has sent us some more of His children, or do we silently point them out by nudging elbows, nodding our heads and winking to say, "There's a strange one here"? And, later, do we discuss them as if it is odd that they come to seek the Christ, Truth?
But isn't their coming a most natural action? Haven't our prayers been that all receptive hearts should share in our worship of God?
