Consumerism and the local church

In many respects we really can't help it. We live in a time and place where nearly every institution is competing for our time, attention, money, adoration, dedication, and promotion. It turns out that marketing people are very smart...they know how to get us to do just about anything they want. Quite simply they strive to appeal to our basest of qualities, a quality derived straight from the Garden of Eden; that is....the elevation of "self" to a level that makes our own desires outweigh anything else. Marketeers are constantly telling us all the things we deserve, how we should treat ourselves, pamper ourselves, lookout for number one, etc. And we have bought in to it "hook, line, and sinker!" Why wouldn't we....we love getting what we want! I personally love a good thick steak.....and when some guy with a thick aussie accent tells me that I deserve it and I should "treat myself" to some Outback tonight....well, how can I argue with that?

Unfortunately, alot of us bring that "it's all about me" attitude to church. We want to sit in our chair every Sunday and "consume." Afterall, that's what we do at Outback Steakhouse, or Starbucks, or Chick-fil-a, or Bell's! We choose what we want, what sounds good to us, how we want it cooked and then we wait on someone to serve us so we can "consume." The difference is.....now listen closely.....this is the good part..... "Church isn't about what you want, it's about what God wants." The local church serves 3 purposes....1) to worship and give GOD glory, 2) to equip believers to reach others, 3) to provide an environment for those who don't know Jesus to hear the gospel. I believe that the local church is God's primary tool for reaching the "lost." So, (this may sting a little) if you are a believer...it's not about you! I have heard Pastor Greg say that the difference between the church and a country club is that a country club exists to serve it's members....in the church, the members exist to serve the church.

Remember 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."

So how are you serving your church today. Are you doing more than just taking up a seat on Sunday morning? Do you see the bigger picture....that there are people that will only be reached by the local church....and it is our job to put our desires aside and to prepare an environment that is welcoming, safe, engaging, and "real" so that someone we don't even know yet can come to a relationship with Jesus. Consumer church is NEVER satisfying. True satisfaction comes through serving others. Don't miss out. Find a place of meaningful service today.