One of the biggest critiques of the American Church today is that many of them seem to be malnourished. Some would even say it’s our most pressing problem.

When most say this, their focus is usually on the worship experience. That problem we at LCWM just don't have at all. But,from people that I know ,they tell me, they hear “I didn't getting fed.” Or, “I just want some deeper teaching.” From people outside these churches you hear,“too much milk, not enough meat.”

In some cases, I’m sure it just might be true. But I really don’t think that’s the real problem. Yes, I do think American Christians are malnourished. But I don’t believe it has anything to do with milk or meat.

Most American Christians aren’t malnourished because of what they’re getting fed on Sunday at all. They’re malnourished because they don’t feed themselves Monday through Saturday.

So you had filet mignon on Sunday and learned about the union of Christ and the church as it relates to the rapture and the design of the tabernacle in relation to Levitical dietary laws as understood by the Council of Trent. BAM. Good for you. Have fun starving yourself the rest of the week and letting your pastor read the Bible so you don’t have to. WHAT? Did I just call you lazy? YEP and your priorities are in the wrong place bro. or sis.

The crisis facing the church today isn’t what people are getting fed on Sundays. It’s what they’re not feeding themselves the rest of the days. Who really cares whether you consume meat or milk on Sunday if it’s the only meal you have all week?

I’m not saying this to get pastors and churches off the hook. It is the shepherd’s job to feed the sheep (John 21). And feed them well based on their needs and faith development. But it’s also the sheep’s job to eat: Let's look at it like this,ok ?

13 Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. 14 But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.
Hebrews 5:13-14

See, it's right in the bible, another BAM. Here’s the point. Churches: we have a responsibility. Churches should serve up the Word, hot and fresh every single Sunday. Church Leaders, it is our job to create and sustain processes and systems that responsibly enable people to grow in their faith after receiving Christ. The church and it's leaders should be sharing their philosophy and approach of how they do that. If they don't, then they just might not have a plan or a vision.

People in our churches: you also have a responsibility. If you refuse to study the Word, apply it, pray some during the week, join a small group and dig deeper with others, there’s not much we can do to help you. Your malnourishment won’t be cured by anything we give you on Sunday.

So are you an infant and need milk? Drink it for now, but the only way you’re getting more mature and will be ready for meat is by training yourself. Constantly. Do you want meat?

Spend time with God each and every day and place the correct priorities in their proper places.

till next time, peace

tc