Happy Meal Christians

A good friend of mine sent this to me today.

If we can't understand why Christians in America don't seem to look or act
or think any differently than most of the rest of our society and the world,
maybe this explains it.

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Happy Meals

For years our family's choice in restaurants was determined
largely by our children. They preferred, of course, to eat at a place that
had a play area and happy meals. They were mesmerized, not by the
nutritional value of the food they were eating but by the free toy included
in their meals. The person who came up with the idea of a happy meal was a
genius at marketing. Kids continue to flock into these types of restaurants
not necessarily because they have the healthiest food of all, but simply to
enjoy the "happy meal" experience.

I'm afraid the craving for happy meals is not just restricted to fast food
restaurants but is also seen in churches today. It seems that worshipers
have developed an appetite for a church experience that has plenty of fluff
and frills. Marketing strategies have lured church leaders to do whatever
works to get a crowd. Many churches have plenty
of activity and excitement. The crowds are attracted by the gimmicks and
happy meals are served all around.

But I wonder if we are missing something. I wonder if we are missing the
balanced diet of biblical teaching that we are called to serve to those who
come. The people in the book of Hebrews had a problem. They had neglected
the solid food of biblical teaching and had become dull of hearing. They got
tired of listening to the careful exposition of Scripture and now would only
tolerate milk. They had become "happy meal Christians." Hebrews 5:14 tells
us that those who are spiritually mature will have a craving for solid food.

Don't you think it is time for those of us who want to grow strong in our
faith to insist on a well balanced diet of the whole counsel of God? That's
the only kind of food that will help us to grow more and more into the image
of Jesus Christ. Don't settle for a happy meal church experience. Insist on
the solid food of the Word of God.

Pastor Jim Stultz
Calvary Baptist Church, Wabash, Ind.
www.jmsmeditation.blogspot.com