Eph 4:16  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

We live in a day and age of consumerism. We work in order that we might get. Rarely do we invest in something or someone unless we are sure that we will get something in return. This is not how the church of Jesus Christ has been set up. Would you look at our passage this morning and note the phrases, fitly joined together. Every joint supplieth. Effectual working of every part. And all of this is done with a love that only seeks to bless, and not get.

Dear ones, every person in the body of Christ is called to be an investor, not a consumer in the body. It is sad to see people looking for churches that will provide them what they need, with little or next to nothing required of them but “show up”, “tip God” 10% for doing another great job this week, and maybe sit around a table to “talk about Scripture” or, “punch in” for another grueling mid-week bible study. This is far from what God has in mind for the day-in and day-out life of His local church beloved. How different “church” becomes when your prayer is to use the time, talents and strength that He has given you to bless others. You see, when my mind is set on Him, and how I can invest in others, I get blessed. But when I am looking around and waiting for people to bless me or serve me, I will only get bitter and move on to another “club”, er… church.

Are you an investor or a consumer in your local church? Is your life one that is spent and being spent for Christ and His glory? Or are you constantly looking for others to invest in you? A self-centered person will always have a “poor me” and “down on church” mentality. Why? That is not how God created us to function. That us not why Christ died for us on the cross. Jesus didn’t die on the cross to create a new, improved kind of selfishness that simply changes kingdoms with church people that now exist for me and my spiritual and relational needs with no return or investment on my part.

Instead of being a “poor me” consumer, try being a “pour me out” investor in others for the glory of The Lord, and see how much better your life can be.