CHEASTERS

When I was in the Stephen Ministry class, our instructor, Norm used the word,”Cheasters” to describe people that only attend church on Christmas and Easter. Norm is a good man and a great teacher but we all thought he was just making up a word to illustrate a point.

Now that Easter is upon us, curiosity took a hold of me and I typed in Cheaster on the Google search engine and sure enough there were pages of references and definitions of Cheasters. When I opened up one of the pages, I let out a good “Wow!” and laughed when I saw the exact words Norm used; “Persons that attend church only at Christmas and Easter”

To be sure, the word has a humorous ring to it but upon reflection, I felt sad and somewhat alarmed by it. The word “only” stood out like a flash of neon in the darkest night.

Christmas and Easter are my favorite holidays and all Christians should surely attend a service at their church those days. However, I do recall Cheasters in my past and they stood out. They would be the best dressed and the first out of the door after communion. They would have been happier if the communion wafer had been flung like a Frisbee and had the wine put in a glass to go because they had their running shoes on.

The Cheasters take notice of the crowded parking lot as well and park strategically for the fastest exit. They are clever in that way and I admit that their Easter dinner is a matter of timing. After all, friends and family will be at their houses soon and the food doesn’t cook itself.

I wonder at times if Cheasters think the church is always that crowded. They would be surprised to learn that they are the reason it’s that way on those days. In fact, they would enjoy the service more if they came on the less crowded days and they may actually take in the theme of the sermon if they didn’t feel rushed.

I don’t mean to make fun of Cheasters because they are in church, even if only for those two days. At least they picked the best two days. I’m sure that they even have taken time to learn that they celebrate the two greatest days in all history.

Still, I have a hard time rushing home for any fancy dinner when I read Mark 14:22-24, as he talks about His last supper; “And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake [it], and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body.”

Suddenly, that thought about wishing the communion wafer being tossed like a Frisbee for a speedy delivery seems more than a bit cold and cruel. The next line should make even the most hurried Cheaster take off the running shoes; “And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave [it] to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many.”

“His blood of the new testament, which is shed for many” I am one of the many. You are one of the many. The Cheasters are of the many.

John 3:16 reminds us that; For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. In a million lifetimes, I could never be worthy of that but here I am, in line with everyone else being offered the body and blood of Christ and being offered everlasting life. Dear sweet Jesus, I am not worthy and I am forever overwhelmed!

For many years, I was less than a Cheaster because I drifted from the church and never even made it to either service. I can never make up those lost opportunities to receive communion. It’s a beautiful and very touching part of the service and I turned my back on it. I am embarrassed and ashamed but God forgives me and I’m here now.

Listen carefully to the words this Easter when the pastor repeats the words from the Bible, “Take, eat; this is my body” and, “this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many”. That offer is there every Sunday for the taking and it doesn’t cost a cent. In fact, it costs more than you know when you pass on the offer. It’s not to be taken lightly and should not be hurried.

I am not trying to shame anyone into going to church more often. I just want everyone to realize that the greatest offer of all lifetimes is waiting for all of us every Sunday. I find it so profound and humbling when I stop to think that this is the same offer Jesus personally gave to His closest friends.

To all Cheasters, I say, come around on a quiet, average Sunday and bring a friend. You’ll enjoy the service more and you’ll have more time to meet others. Also, you’ll see that the tiniest piece of a communion wafer and the smallest portion of wine will satisfy a lifetime of hunger.

Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luke 13:26