Throughout the years, I have heard lots of Christians complain that they need to be “fed more” at the church or that the church isn’t “deep enough” and needs “more meat.” They often hop from church to church or they stick around, moaning and…you know what… about the church. What are we to say to people like this? What are we to do if that person is us? I think that whenever we’re tempted to think this way, we have to realize two things:

1) If you’re still breastfeeding from the church, and you have been a Christian for a while, you have a major problem. Here’s what I mean. Before Isaiah was born, Patty decided that she wanted to breastfeed him rather than relying on baby formula. Heck…when he was born, the first time I saw his name on something was a label in the nursery at the hospital that said “I am a breasted boy!” However, as more time has passed, Patty has begun weening him away from breastfeeding and he is starting to eat baby food and soft foods. Obviously, he will eventually get to the point where he can eat on his own and will be able to feed himself.

A lot of Christians today are still breastfeeding from the church. They have this erroneous notion that the Church exists primarily to feed you. They feel they are not growing because the Church isn’t going “deep enough.” Hear this plainly: you have to feed yourself! The Church’s job is not all about feeding you. It’s about teaching you how to feed yourself! You have to take responsibility for your own walk and develop the discipline and skills to grow closer to God on your own. Don’t get me wrong, the Church should pick up the tab for a meal on Sunday. But if that’s the only food you’re getting, you’re going to die.

I’m so thankful that 99.99% of adults do not breastfeed from their mother. Not would it be unbelievably awkward (and probably earn you a spot on Dr. Phil), it wouldn’t be healthy and you would find yourself malnourished later in life. Are you feeding yourself or relying on someone else?

Part Two on Monday!