The statement made in the title is not only the desire of many in the religious world, but it is becoming the philosophy of many Christians, because many of us are seeking a religion that "meets my 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 to 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, then 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 judgement, the system has become turned upside down from the way God intended it to be. What ever 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 that our needs can be met, but rather so that 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, "...whosoever 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 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!

Youth Devo Tonight
The monthly youth fellowship and devotional is scheduled for this evening after the PM worship. For more details see Matt Faneuf.

Sun, October 16 10:30 a.m.
Brian Kenyon “Parents as Examples”
Sun, October 16 3:00 p.m.
Greg Littleton “Parents as Providers”
Mon, October 17 7:30 p.m.
Bernard McKiever “Parents as Trainers”
Tue, October 18 7:30 p.m.
Maurice Davis “Parents as Preparers”
Wed, October 19 7:30 p.m.
Chris Steele “Parents Facing The 21st Century”

Make preparations to attend every service.

If you really desire to be a patriot; if you if you are truly concerned about America; if you earnestly want God to bless her -- then life a life in harmony with the will of God. Only then does one have the right to truthfully sing: "God bless America, land that I love"