Buffet’ is defined as: 1 : SIDEBOARD 2 a : a counter for refreshments, b chiefly British : a restaurant operated as a public convenience (as in a railway station), c : a meal set out on a buffet or table for ready access and informal service. (Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Tenth Edition, Merriam-Webster, Inc., Electronic Edition)

There is a growing tendency among those who profess to be Christians for a buffet in their religion and service to God, our heavenly Father. We want to pick and choose what parts or aspects of Christianity and serving God we will participate in and how often we participate in these. Let me briefly discuss just a few of many “buffets” we see in the church today.

The first that I would mention is a “make me feel good” buffet. That is like going to a buffet restaurant and choosing only the foods we like, not choosing any that will be healthy for us. In religion that is teaching or preaching only on “felt needs” and subjects that make me feel good about myself regardless of the actual spiritual state I might be in.

Another “dish” on the feel good religious buffet is to keep me happy and entertained. Enclose any thing associated with doctorial teaching with jokes, and amusing examples and extra-curricular activities. Don’t misunderstand me, I am not saying there is anything wrong with extra activities for members that are wholesome and Biblical. What I am saying is they should not be intermingled with and as a part of our worship. But with a good number of those who profess to be “faithful” members they are more concerned about the feel good entertainment than they are giving sincere reverent worship to our heavenly Father. If the entertainment stops or the teaching gets to making them feel uncomfortable, because it demands a change in their attitude and service, they will leave and go where they will be made to “feel good.”

Another dish on the religion buffet menu is to choose what goes on my own religion plate. In this type of buffet religion we pick and choose the different acts of worship and service in which we will be active, not God. One might choose only the Sunday morning worship. Another might choose all of the services but not participate in selected activities, like singing or giving as God has prospered. Another might choose to not be active in any bible study, just being present with no study or thought given to the class material before the class. Another might choose to be faithful in attendance but not to live godly at home or work. Another might be faithful in attendance but refuse to be involved in any way in trying to reach the lost, another does no visiting or encouraging of the sick and unfortunate in their time of need.

Another dish on this religious buffet menu is the religion of convenience. This is closely tied to both the “feel good” and the “pick and choose” dishes. This type of person is “real strong” in his or her religion if something in the world does not interfere with his or her religion. Some things that might interfere are “home duties, school duties, sports, visiting family or friends, jobs, etc.. These feel no guilt in missing the services and good works of the Lord’s church.

Two things are missing in those who are guilty of any part of a “buffet religion.” First, a true love of God, Christ and the church are missing. "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. ” (John_14:21) “By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments.? 3 ?For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” (1John_5:2-3)?

The second thing missing is inseparably linked to the first. The second thing missing in those who have (practice) a buffet religion in the Lord’s church is a sincere conviction and dedication. Conviction is the state of being convinced and dedication is self-sacrificing devotion. “And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” (Matt._18:3) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matt._6:33) A last point is a part of the definition of buffet was that it is informal. Many who have a buffet religion want it to be informal and casual in all aspects.

A good question to ask oneself is, “Am I seeking to the very best of my ability to love and serve God according to His will, or am I simply seeking to please myself?”

Gary Barnes