Consumers vs. Contributors
Works of Service – Part 1

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 4:11-16

Key Verse: Ephesians 4:12

…to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up

For the next few days we are going to look at two categories that believers fall into.  Unfortunately, the larger of the two categories is the consumer group.  This group does little to truly promote and maintain the kingdom of God.  This group seems to only ask one question: What can God and His kingdom do for me?  It has been estimated that this consumer group makes up 80% of the whole!

The smaller group is the contributors.  These are the Christ followers that truly follow the model of Jesus—they serve!  They are the 20% that do 80% of the work in the kingdom of God.  This group takes serious the responsibility of passing on to others, especially the next generation, the truths and principles of the kingdom of God.  Yes, these are the believers who are faithfully giving of their time, talent and money.

In our scripture for today, we see that it is the contributors that are being the “church” that God intended.  God gave the church leaders to “prepare God’s people for works of service.”  God never wanted His people to simply consume His blessings without going on to serve others.  We are blessed to be a blessing, as the old saying goes!  We must all be careful not to get lazy in these areas.  Determine to be a contributor.

Father, please equip me with what I need to serve you as you see fit.  I want to contribute to the building of your kingdom.  In Jesus’ name, amen.