It’s a trap that every Christian needs to avoid.
I’m talking about the trap of church consumerism.
I’m talking about the carnal concept of a shopping list for church “wants.”
It’s an alluring trap, of course.
Don’t we want to be liked by all and loved by some?
Don’t we want to be part of a group that works to build our self-esteem?
Don’t we want to enjoy an inspirational, informative, creative, engaging worship service that impresses our guests and keeps our husbands awake?
Don’t we want a church home where our kids are never bored, the activities are always cool and there are always plenty of other adult volunteers to give their time and money to help our kids?
Don’t we all want a pastor whose sermons sound like those of the megachurch pastors on the radio?
Don’t we all just want to feel “special” at our church?
Well, it’s true that church wants can be OK as long as they don’t determine our church home.
You see, I don’t believe that God calls us to a congregational home based on our wants, but instead based upon how we can work with a body of believers to accomplish Kingdom needs.
I am convinced that Christian consumerism has played a dangerous role in the the revolving door of so many congregations afflicted with a “speed dating” mentality.
Committment? What’s that? “Yeah, I’ll be committed to you as long as you give me what I want,” too many say.
And we wonder why the divorce rate and church turnover rate is so high.
“What can you do for me?” is not the question we should be intuitively asking a congregation.
“Is this the place where I can best serve God in keeping with the truths of Scripture?” is a much better question.
Here’s why.
Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
I am convinced that a key determinant for selecting a church home is assessing — with the Holy Spirit’s guidance — if this is where I can best serve with other biblically sound believers to build the Kingdom of God.
Being part of a church is not to be about our agenda, but instead about God’s.
Please join me in praying today for wisdom in better serving Him rather than wanting others to better serve us.
As always, I love you
Martin
