The statement made in the title is not only the desire of many in the religious
world, but is becoming the philosophy of many Christians, because many of us
are seeking a religion that "meets our needs." The phrase itself has
virtually become a new religious term. Many persons praise or blame a particular
congregation because it is or is not "meeting my needs."
Let me hasten to say that if the phrase means that we need to satisfy spiritual
hunger, then it is a good expression, for surely everyone ought to be in a Christian
community where his/her deepest spiritual longings are being addressed. The
voice of God needs to be heard through spiritual teaching, and we need opportunities
to serve, love and be called to repentance.
But being a part of the church to some means reaching for goals of "self-actualization."
So if the church doesn't fulfill certain expectations, wants and preferences,
they must move on to another emotional department store with different merchandise
more appealing to their "tastes."
Sadly, and probably without realizing it, many congregations have gotten into
thinking that "we have to do all these things and plan all the activities
to meet people's needs so they won't leave." Consequently, well-meaning
leaders have turned God's church into a merchandising institution. So we promote
this program and that program for this group and that group.
But, in my judgment, the system has become turned upside down from the way God
intended it to be. Whatever happened to the attitude in a Christian's heart
of "I'd like to be a part of this congregation because of what I can do
to meet its needs?" When are we most fulfilled? When our needs are met,
or when we meet the needs of God's church on this earth? We ought to be a part
of a congregation not so our needs can be met, but rather so we may best meet
the needs of God's work.
Christians need to recall the Truth of the scriptures that personal fulfillment
is a great spiritual paradox. We are most filled when we empty ourselves and
be filled serving others. Jesus taught us, "…whosever will be great
among you, let him be your minister (servant)…even as the son of man came
not to be ministered unto, but to minister (serve)" (Matthew 20:26-28).
Paul said of his own heart, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I
live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me; and the life which I now live in the
flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave Himself
for me" (Galatians 2:20). And again, "I beseech you therefore, brethren,
by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy,
acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service" (Romans 12:1). "Reasonable
service" is not being served (having your needs met) but serving (meeting
the needs of others). We need to relearn the axiom, "It is more blessed
to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35).
Let's not demand that God's church be a place where people (leadership or membership)
cater to our desires and preferences. Let's turn it right side up again and
be a part of a congregation, not for what it can do for us, but for what we
can do for it!
William Woodson
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