Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 13:1
When I go to Burger King, I go through the drive-thru because (1) I want to get in and out as quick as possible. And I’ve never once asked the person taking my order what his name is or started a conversation with him, because (2) I’m not there to build relationships. I’m just there to get what I want and get out. And speaking of what I want. Burger King is famous for the slogan “Have it Your Way.” So, when I go to Burger King, (3) I tell them exactly what I do and don’t want. I don’t like pickles. So, I tell them, “No pickles.” And if they mess that up and put pickles on my burger, then (4) I may not go back, because I’m the costumer and if I’m not happy with the service why would I go back?”
Now, some people treat the church the same way. (1) They want to get in and get out as quick as possible. If the church had a drive thru line, they’d use it. They don’t come for Sunday School, only the worship service, because they don’t want to be at church any longer than they have to be. (2) And just like me at Burger King, these people don’t ask anybody’s names. They don’t talk to anybody, because they aren’t there to build relationships. (3) And these people think Burger King’s slogan ought to apply to church. They want to have church "their way." So, if the sermon or the music isn’t how they like it, then they let someone know. They aren't afraid to give special orders for how they want their music or someone. (4) And since they see themselves as “the customer,” they think it’s the church’s job to make them happy. And if the church doesn’t do what they want, then they might just leave and find another church that does it "their way."
That’s what I call a Burger King view of the church. It isn't biblical. The Bible gives us a number of metaphors that help us think about the church rightly. One in particular is the Family.
Over 150 times, the New Testament refers to believers as brothers and sisters in Christ. And Hebrews 13:1 commands us to "love one another as brothers and sisters." For more on this view of the church check out (Mark 3:35, John 1:12-13, 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:16)
Thinking of the church as a family leads to a very different outcome than thinking of it as a Burger King. When you realize that the church is a family, then (1) you stop wanting to get in and out as quick as possible. You stop looking for a drive-thru church experience. (2) You start caring about the people in your church. You want to know their names. You want to start conversations with them and get to know them. (3) And you instinctively get that in a family you can’t always have it "your way.” You have to consider other people’s needs and wants. And often you have to sacrifice your wants to meet their needs. (4) And, obviously, you don’t walk away from your family and go find a new one when you don’t get your way.
So, please understand me when I tell you that your church is a family! You aren’t a customer at church. You're a part of the family of God. So, don’t treat your church like a Burger King or a drive thru worship experience. Take the time to get to know your brothers and sisters in Christ. Learn their names. Build relationships with them. Stop trying to get in and out of church as quickly as possible. Join a Sunday School class or a Wednesday night Bible study.
God didn't invite you to participate in a business transaction from arm’s length. He invited you into His family. Those are two very different things.
