Squirrels vs. Jesus: Who Are You Imitating?

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Do you approach church with a consumer mindset? Many believers leave congregations because "they weren't being fed" or "it wasn't a good fit," but this fundamentally misses the point of what the church was designed to be. Romans 12:13 delivers a challenging message that stands in stark contrast to our self-focused culture: "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

This isn't a simple checklist of behaviors but describes a fundamental way of being that should characterize authentic Christ-followers. When Paul instructs us to "contribute to the needs of the saints," he addresses both financial giving and something potentially more challenging – the sacrifice of our time. While writing a check requires little personal investment, carving out time for others demands genuine sacrifice, especially in our attention-fragmented digital age where the average focus span has dwindled to mere seconds.

The command to "seek hospitality" isn't passive but requires active pursuit. We're called to create opportunities for welcome, going out of our way to open our lives and homes to others as a reflection of Christ's character. This might mean adjusting our comfort for guests, organizing gatherings, or initiating coffee meetings – not waiting for church-organized events but personally extending Christ's welcome to others.

At its core, this teaching challenges us to honestly evaluate: are we truly disciples of Jesus, or merely consumers of religious goods and services? Jesus Himself prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done," even when facing the cross. As His followers, we're called to the same surrender and service – moving beyond being among the 5,000 who were fed to joining the disciples who distributed the bread and fish to others.

What would people truthfully say at your funeral? Are you building your temporary kingdom or contributing to God's eternal one? Your answer reveals whether you're following Jesus or simply attending church. The choice is yours today.