Why “Being a Consumer Only” Misses Christ’s Call to Serve

Sunday Evening Feb 23, 2025

Bro Nathan Bryne

A Call Beyond Consumption

Brother Nathan opened the evening service by thanking the congregation for their collective sacrifices—the musicians who hand off restless children, the saints who sweep up after fellowship.  That gratitude framed his central concern: modern believers risk approaching every arena of life, including worship, as mere consumers.  “What’s in it for me?” may be a fair question in retail, he noted, but it cannot remain the governing instinct of a Christian walk.  The sermon title, “Being a Consumer Only,” set the challenge: move from passive intake to active, others‑oriented service.

Measuring Our Diet

Brother Nathan illustrated the consumer mindset with familiar warnings—little eyes and ears must stay guarded, because unholy media eventually poisons appetite.  He recounted hauling DVDs, music, and memorabilia into a pile by the door after conversion, only to feel the Spirit nudging, “Why are they still here?”  True holiness, he insisted, applies the same standard to playlists, timelines, and hobby feeds as to overtly sinful habits.  Consumption is inevitable; the question is whether what we ingest strengthens a holy life or dulls it.

From Table to Table—Matthew 25 in Practice

Turning to Matthew 25:31‑46, Brother Nathan reminded listeners that the King separates sheep from goats on the basis of practical charity—food, water, clothing, presence.  Those acts, performed for “the least of these,” count as ministry to Christ Himself.  Spiritual nutrition, therefore, must be converted into outward nourishment; otherwise, the feast is wasted.  Brother Nathan asked pointedly whether Sunday morning’s message on faith had been “eaten”—and whether anyone had shared the part that struck them.

Faith That Feeds the Reluctant

Addressing personal hesitations, he acknowledged how intimidating public witness or platform duty can feel: “We melt like ice cream in summer.”  Yet Moses’ stammering mouth was God‑made, and a mustard‑seed of faith still moves mountains.  The congregation was urged to volunteer despite self‑doubt—teach a children’s class, lead a song, testify at work—because God perfects offerings, not resumes.

Babylon’s Cup vs. Living Water

Brother Nathan contrasted Christ’s “living water” (John 4 & 6) with the golden cup of Revelation 17’s Babylon.  False religion, he warned, dazzles with pageantry yet leaves souls thirsty and doctrines polluted.  By contrast, those who hunger and thirst after righteousness (Matthew 5:6) find satisfaction that overflows into witness.  The choice of beverage determines the health of the body—and the body of Christ.

Practicing a Holy Hunger

Statistics about global social‑media usage (over two hours daily) served as a mirror: how many minutes are invested in Scripture, prayer, or spiritual literature?  Side‑by‑side vehicles and outdoor hobbies were cited—not as sins, but as tests of priority.  Tools and toys must sit idle whenever kingdom work calls.  A busy camp‑meeting season looms; saints were exhorted to treat preparations as worship, not chores.

Writing the Review

Borrowing the metaphor of Consumer Reports, he reminded listeners that every believer becomes a public reviewer of pastor, congregation, and doctrine.  When classmates ask about modest dress or colleagues notice uncompromising honesty, answers must point to biblical conviction, not parental coercion.  A lazy “That’s just how I was raised” earns zero stars; a thoughtful reference to Deuteronomy 22 or 1 Timothy 2 invites seekers to try the “product” themselves.

Conclusion – From Intake to Outflow

The message closed with the image of God’s toolbox: some saints are frontline evangelists; others are prayer warriors, encouragers, or givers.  Whatever the assignment, no tool was designed to remain in its drawer.  Brother Nathan’s benediction therefore echoed the morning theme of faith—receive, yes, but also pour out.  Only then does spiritual nutrition accomplish its purpose.

Scripture Reference List

Matthew 25:31‑46 - Sheep and goats illustrate service as the evidence of genuine faith.

John 4:7‑14; 7:37‑ Living water satisfies spiritual thirst and becomes a spring for others.

John 6:35 - Jesus as the bread of life—continual sustenance, not occasional snack.

Matthew 5:6 - Blessing promised to those who actively hunger and thirst for righteousness.

1 John 3:16‑17 - Love proves itself by meeting a brother’s need, not by sentiment alone.

Revelation 17:1‑6, 15 - Babylon’s cup symbolizes corrupt doctrine that intoxicates nations.