Consumers or Disciples

Have you ever watched the news and saw some kind of horrific act done and thought to yourself "I can't even imagine doing that?"Those moments are shocking because they are so outside the grid of how we choose to live.

When I heard the statement that many people come to church and they are just consumers I was taken aback. This was way outside my grid. To think that people come for what they  can get instead what they can give. Consumer thinking is only committed as long as their needs are being meet. Don't get me wrong when I first started going to church my eyes were wide open to what was happening. I wanted to know what was available for my kids, what was being taught, what the vision was and if I could get along with the people I was sharing this sacred moment with. At first I had a few consumer qualities but I didn't stay there. People who have been attending church for any length of time (such as anything after 8 months) should start to desire to contribute not just consume. The greatest growth spurts are when we are in the action not on the sidelines. We have been called to be disciples. Disciple training comes in the doing. Eyes wide open when I start so I can make knowledgeable choice however when the choice is made now I am responsible to do my part to add on.

Consumers subtract and divide. Disciples add and multiply.

I have stores and companies that I am devoted to. So when I go in I don't even need to buy anything I am there because I am committed, interested and in my own way apart of that team. Consumers only shop to take. It's tragic news to see people treat God's church as a product. And when they are dissatisfied they move on to a new place to shop for their needs. I am a disciple of Christ. Do you know how you can tell? I am loyal and committed even in the rare moments when I am dissatisfied and it gets difficult. You can tell I am a disciple because I will serve in my suffering. Or when I trust my spiritual overseers to hear me out and to speak into my situation. Consumers are consumed with what they want. Disciples are disciplined to trust God in giving them what they need.

I know that a church is healthy when it has more people putting down their shopping bags, picking up their crosses and putting action to their commitment.

How can you tell the difference between a Consumer and a Disciple? Anything you want to add this idea?