"Church Shopping"

Whether we like it or not, people church shop. Many have no clue what that means and too many have wrong motives for their "church shopping." Some look because they have some unresolved bitterness in their heart toward someone. That's unacceptable to God and "church shopping" will not change their relationship or status with the Lord. Some shop because they want something they are comfortable with. That too is unacceptable as the Lord does not want us self centered and self seeking but looking to His ways. Still others "church shop" because they feel they aren't being used in their talents as they see fit. That too can be a wrong motive because those with this mind set may think more highly of themselves than they ought to think. Many "church shop" simply because there is no feeding, no richness from God's word and that's a good motive.

Where does all this leave us? First, we need to realize one church is not as good as another. The church, the church of the New Testament, is steeped in Scriptures and the truth is maintained. The church focuses on the gospel of God. That brings about understanding what is and is not to be. For those "church shopping", make certain you are fed on the living bread of Christ and His truth. Not some "worldly" ideas and events taken from Hollywood to draw people in. Stay away from the entertainment mode, which is a draw for many but will lead one away from the word of the Lord. When looking for the church, look for the teachers that take their calling seriously and work with the holy Scriptures to shape and form each member of Christ for service in a body that loves Christ and His body.

Be thankful and rejoice that you hunger, "church shopping" for the right reasons. In trusting repentance, you were united with Christ in baptism and placed in His body. You belong to Him so trust Him to help you find such a place that holds to the truth and gospel of Jesus Christ. Rejoice that you hunger for the rich truth from God's word and allow God to work in you while praying fervently seeking. Listen carefully, while looking, what is taught in classes and from the pulpits and you will find out if the congregation is self parading, self seeking and self entertained or holding and looking to the Master and Lord Jesus Christ. Listen carefully to see if the congregation is always "issue" oriented, endlessly raking others over the coals or lifting itself up above others. Make certain money is not driving the leadership, always asking for money. Listen to see if there is a care and concern for the lost, reaching out to those separated from Christ. Bottom line, if you hear and see brethren reaching out, giving, teaching and preaching that is all fueled by the rich truth from the gospel of Jesus Christ, thank God and stick to that people like glue and allow God to use you to help the body to grow. Keep praying and be honest between you and the Lord if you are "church shopping."