There was a good man who wanted to do good for the people and started using his talent and skills and launched a business. He had an outlet named: “Bread Basket”. It became popular for its tasty bread serving for two decades. His son became a management professional and wanted to rebrand the shop and started adding other items like soft drink, juice, burgers, sauces, jams, sandwiches, fresh fruits, biscuits, chocolates and other processed foods. In two years’, time, the turnover for other items became the major business. After some time, no bread was sold in the Bread Basket stores. The core value, purpose and service of providing bread was lost.
Today, many churches are like this ‘Bread Basket’ store. The core value and purpose of the local church is to provide the Bread – the Word of God. The Church is the Pillar of the truth, teacher of the Word, prophetic voice to nations and voice of the voiceless. However, these core objectives do not appeal to a crowd. Only a few people respond.
Hence there is a lot of entertainment, fun, food, stories, dancing, concerts, sports, camps, trips, and the core ministry of Preaching and Teaching the Truth, the Word of God is missing. “The tongue of the nursing infant sticks to the roof of its mouth for thirst; the children beg for food, but no one gives to them.” (Lamentations 4:40) The impact is malnourished, starved, sick, disabled, disoriented, discontent and spiritually retarded disciples.
“Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4) The world could only give food for the body, only the Church could give food for eternal life. Lord Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the House of Bread and House of Royalty. He is the bread of life. (John 6:35) Our mission is to give this Bread of Life to spiritually hungry people. Indeed, blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, they will be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6)
Am I involved in the core ministry of providing food for the hungry?