Meeting Needs
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles
The phrase “a church that meets my needs” is becoming commonplace with Christians who are also seeking a religion that “meets needs.” If the phrase implies a need to satisfy spiritual hunger, then it is a good expression. The voice of God should be heard through spiritual teaching as we need opportunities to serve, love and be called to repentance.
But to some, church membership means reaching for personal goals, and if certain requirements are not met, they feel they must move on. Sadly, and probably without meaning to, congregations have accepted this demand and promote program after program to try to keep their members from leaving.
Whatever happened to the attitude of members serving the church instead of the other way around? When are people most fulfilled — when their own needs are met or when they meet the needs of God’s church?
The Bible says that we are filled when we empty ourselves and serve others. “Whosoever will be great among you let him be your minister [servant].” And….”the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister” [serve] (Matthew 20:26-28 KJV).
Paul said, “I beseech you….present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1 KJV). Reasonable service is not having our own needs met; but in meeting the needs of others. “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35 KJV).
The question is not what the Lord’s church can do for us — that was answered on the cross — but what we can do for the Lord’s church.
—Selected via the Montana Street bulletin