Hey Christian! You're Not A Spectator

This year I am celebrating my tenth year in the ministry, and believe it or not, the hardest thing about the ministry for me is not the preaching, the long hours, or the counseling--- it's trying to help 21st century Christians understand that they are not spectators.

You see, everywhere we go today in America we live as spectators and consumers. When we step into the Mall, it exists to serve us and we go and do as we please. When we sit at the table at Applebee's, we expect to be served and we order what we like. When we sit in the stands at a sporting event, the event unfolds before our eyes and we know we are there to watch. Drugstores, doctor's offices, auto mechanic shops, grocery stores, insurance agencies--- they all exist to serve us--- and we see our role as consumers. Non-participants. Spectators.

But for the Christian believer, when it comes to the realm and sphere of a local church assembly, the Bible expressly says that individual is not a spectator--- but a servant. In the Body of Christ, there are no passive consumers because every Christian is called to be an active producer. A contributor. A worker.

With that biblical viewpoint much on my mind this year, that is why this recent ministry article by John MacArthur struck such a chord with me.

When consumerism affects America--- the economy flourishes and our nation advances. But when consumerism infects the church--- the cause of Jesus Christ flounders and the church loses ground.

O God, please help me be one of the godly pastors of this generation who helps to slay Christian "consumerism" once and for all. Let me boldly declare that the Body of Christ does not exist for leisure--- but labor. Amen.