Combating Consumerism

As I sat eating lunch at Subway today, my view outside reminded me how much we have come to depend on the services that are provided to us. Restaurants of all types compete to feed us tasty meals. Doctors want to improve our health, while gas stations keep our cars running. Where would we be without sanitation engineers, bankers, barbers, and dry cleaners? All of these vie for our business, and if our expectations are not met, we will take our dollars to someone else. I recognize that in some ways the church occupies its own consumer niche. The local church provides biblical education and skill development. Its staff offers counseling in times of uncertainty and support in times of grief. It partners with parents in providing youth programs and with senior citizens in establishing retirement programs. If the consumer is pleased, he stays and tells others what great blessings…