American Consumerism in the Church

A couple years ago, Tammy bought me a Garmin Vivoactive for Christmas to track my swims. I was so excited that I was no longer going to have to count my laps (it’s easy—very easy to forget what lap I’m on). Well, the watch is good, but it’s not excellent for swimming by any standard; my Garmin would tell me I burned about 59 calories or so after swimming a mile, would not record a lap here or there, and would sometimes just turn off in the middle of a swim. So, I did some research and recently purchased an Apple Watch, and I’m beyond thrilled—my swims record accurately and my “burned calories” look far more reasonable. As much as I enjoyed having a Garmin, I doubt I ever go back.

On the other hand, I have a good friend who will never have anything but a Garmin. He swims every now and then, but he spends most of his time either cycling or running. A Garmin is perfect for him; outside of the water, the distance and calories on his watch are spot on. Garmin is the right brand for my friend, but Apple is the right brand for me.

Unfortunately, that’s how most folks treat the church—they choose what they want and leave the rest. If the Bible class sounds interesting, they’ll come; if the class isn’t up their alley, they’ll stay home. If the elders do what they wish, they’ll give; if they don’t like the church’s programs, they’ll leave the pocketbook at home. If worship fits their schedule, they’ll assemble with the saints; if they have better things to do, they’ll ignore the worship of God. If they might feel good after a church ministry, they’ll serve; if they aren’t going to feel uplifted, they’ll let someone else serve.

The truth of the matter is that the church belongs to Jesus. He built her (Matt 16:18). He died for the church (Acts 20:28) “so as to present [her] to himself in splendor, without a spot or wrinkle or anything of the kind” (Eph 5:27). He has been exalted above all else and has been made “the head over all things for the church” (Eph 1:22).

The church is the church of Christ. It’s all about Jesus, not me. Church isn’t about my likes or dislikes; it’s about Jesus’s likes and dislikes. Church isn’t about what folks can do for me; it’s about what I can do for Jesus. Church isn’t about what I can get out of it; it’s about what I can give to Jesus—it’s about giving everything I have, everything I am, and everything I want over to Jesus.

My likes and dislikes are perfectly right when choosing a fitness watch. Only Jesus’s likes and dislikes are perfectly right in the church. 

This article was originally written by Dr. Justin Imel, Sr., for the weekly newsletter at Church of Christ Deer Park in Deer Park, Texas.