Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone.
–1 Corinthians 12:4-6
I heard about a minister who was meeting with some other leaders at his small rural church one day. They were reviewing the membership of the church and assessing how they could better serve each family on the roll.
As they looked at the list of people on the sheet, they noticed the pastor had written by several of them, “FBPO.” So one of the leaders looked up and asked the pastor, “What does that mean… FBPO?” And the pastor relied, “Oh, that’s short for ‘For Burial Purposes Only!’”
If we’re honest, we’d have to say most churches have people on their rolls beside whom they could write those letters. I’m talking about men and women who come on Sunday, sing some songs, enjoy the sermon, and leave without ever contributing to God’s Kingdom purposes. They’re consumer-driven Christians.
As we think about our own role in the church, we need to honestly evaluate what we’re contributing to the Kingdom. Don’t be a consumer-driven Christian. Find a way to plug in, make a difference, and use the gifts God has given you to bring Him glory!
INSTEAD OF BEING A CONSUMER-DRIVEN CHRISTIAN, USE THE GIFTS GOD HAS GIVEN YOU TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE BODY OF CHRIST!
