Spiritual Movement

5. Moving Beyond Membership to Commitment

Someone once asked me, "What's the difference between belonging to the Church and belonging to a good club or organization?" Perhaps the answer to that question lies in the response to what it means to "belong"

To belong to a club or even to the church as a member can mean just that: we pay our dues, attend the functions, reap the benefits, and get whatever one can get out of that membership. Belonging to the Church can be just that.

But it can be much more than that. Belonging can also mean the relationship between that person and God that comes from a deep and abiding commitment. When one finds God in a relationship of devotion, one becomes more than just a member. One's entire life is lived in closeness and harmony and dedication. It is a relationship of love. Caring, supporting, having fellowship, serving, doing for others - these all come from something much deeper. Those who are devoted to Christ serve his people gladly. Such is the nature of commitment. Amen.

		This document maintained by melshort@stroxel.com.
		For permission to use material from Mel Short's website:

Accessed times since 9/16/98