Burp!

I am not being fed! I hear this phrase or something like it almost every month. Teaching is dull. Sermons are boring. Selection of offerings is paltry. Sometimes, these are the last words uttered as a member departs the church for another church. Mostly, these members are long time Christians thinking the problem is with the church rather than investigating their own spiritual life.

 

Tenured Christians are in charge of their own spiritual feeding. Each of us must take our place teaching, encouraging, learning, practicing, forgiving, praying and correcting. We are to continually renew our relationship with Christ. He has our best interest at stake. One of the best antidotes to our spiritual doldrums is to serve. Service is practical spirituality. True service requires sacrifice. Sacrifice challenges us and our assumptions. Challenges return us to Christ in order to deepen our walk.

 

New and non Christians do need our help in being fed. They do not know the ropes or even why the ropes may be important. So much out there from which to choose. What will help? One thing we know is that too much feeding only confuses. We are to guide new (or returning or non) Christians in love, keeping the diet simple and suitable for the individual. The feeding a full time mother of preschoolers needs is much less than the feeding of a retired executive. I usually start with their questions rather than my beliefs. That is where their growing edge is found.

 

Are you being fed? Do you need to serve? Is there someone close to you who needs your help in choosing a spiritual diet? Is it time for you to teach (the greatest way to be fed and learn?) You and your spiritual diet are precious to Christ and to me.