In the summer I have more freedom to choose what I read, so lately, I've been reading about the church and culture, and the impact of consumerism. And I began to see myself.

 

Consumerism is the theory that increasing consumption is good. Consume means to destroy, devour or squander. Here are some of the ways I'm a consumer.

 

In my prayers – I come to God with a list of needs I want Him to meet, things I want Him to do. This is not to say I shouldn't, but when that becomes the sum total of my prayer, I have become a  consumer of God, rather than a follower.

 

In my expectations – I leave worship services disappointed that I didn't get anything out of it, that my tastes and preferences weren't accommodated. Worship should leave me blessed from being in God's presence but worship is about honoring Him and not pacifying me.

 

In my service – I pick and choose where and when I'll serve based on what suits me. God doesn't expect me to overload myself and burnout, but He does expect me to follow His agenda and not dictate my terms.

 

Jesus didn't call me to consume. He called me to deny myself. To surrender. To be a bondslave. Have I really chosen to follow THAT call?