From Consumers to Contributors: Embracing a Giving Faith
Summary
In a world shaped by consumerism, it’s easy to let that mentality seep into every area of life—including our faith and our church community. The prevailing message in our culture is that happiness is found in getting more, in being served, and in having our needs met. But the way of Jesus is radically different. Instead of being consumers, we are called to be contributors—people who give, serve, and pour out what God has given us for the sake of others.
This calling is not just about volunteering or giving money, but about a fundamental shift in how we see ourselves and others. It’s about moving from being spectators to being participants, from being critics to being encouragers, from being self-focused to being others-focused. The church is not meant to be a place where we come to “get” but a community where we come to “give.” This is the very heart of Christ, who “did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Paul’s words in Philippians 2 challenge us to adopt the same attitude as Jesus: humility, self-denial, and a willingness to put others first. This is not easy. It requires daily dying to self, a constant renewing of our minds, and a willingness to let go of our rights and privileges for the sake of others. But as we do, we discover a deeper joy and satisfaction than consumerism could ever offer. When we give, God promises to supply all that we need. The gifts and fruit of the Spirit are not for our own benefit, but to bless and build up others. As we pour out, God pours back in.
This contributor mentality transforms not only our church, but our relationships, our families, our workplaces, and our communities. It’s compelling to a watching world because it’s so countercultural. When we serve, love, and invest in others, we reflect the very nature of God, who “so loved the world that he gave.” Each of us has a part to play, and as we all row in the same direction, God’s kingdom advances and lives are changed.
Key Takeaways
- The Danger of Consumer Christianity
Consumerism teaches us to measure everything—including church—by what we get out of it. This mindset leads to dissatisfaction, criticism, and a lack of true community. Instead, we are called to examine whether we are approaching our faith as consumers or as contributors, and to intentionally shift toward giving more than we receive. [06:03]
- The Power of Participation
There is a profound difference between being a spectator and being a participant. True joy and spiritual growth come not from sitting on the sidelines, but from actively engaging in the work of God—serving, loving, and building up others. The church flourishes when every member moves from the stands to the field. [09:06]
- The Call to Daily Self-Denial
Following Jesus means daily denying ourselves, taking up our cross, and choosing selflessness over selfishness. This is a countercultural and often difficult path, but it is the way to true spiritual health and Christlikeness. Renewing our minds through God’s Word helps us starve selfishness and feed a servant’s heart. [24:47]
- God’s Principle of Overflowing Generosity
When we give—whether it’s our time, resources, or love—God promises to supply all that we need. The gifts and fruit of the Spirit are meant to flow through us to others, not to be hoarded. As we pour out, God pours back in, creating a never-ending cycle of blessing and provision. [28:39]
- The Transformative Impact of a Contributor Mentality
Living as a contributor changes not only our own lives, but also the lives of those around us. It builds communities of trust, love, and care, and it draws people to Christ because it is so different from the self-centeredness of the world. Even small acts of service and kindness can have a profound impact and make the gospel visible. [38:30]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:31] - Introduction to the District and Church Family
[02:25] - The Rise of Consumer Mentality
[04:50] - Consumerism in the Church
[07:14] - Consumer vs. Contributor: A Heart Check
[08:28] - Spectators vs. Participants
[09:41] - Storing vs. Channeling Blessing
[12:12] - Criticism or Appreciation
[13:24] - To Sit and Get or Go and Serve
[15:17] - Consumerism in Relationships and Giving
[17:06] - The “Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, Nobody” Story
[19:04] - Consumerism in Our Relationship with God
[21:03] - Philippians 2: The Attitude of Christ
[24:47] - Denying Ourselves Daily
[27:59] - Giving and Receiving: God’s Promise
[30:37] - The Gifts and Fruit of the Spirit: For Others
[33:56] - Even Non-Christians Benefit from Contributing
[36:35] - The Futility of Consumerism
[38:30] - The Compelling Witness of Selflessness
[39:45] - Prayer and Challenge to Respond
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: From Consumer to Contributor
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### Bible Reading
Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV)
> Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Mark 10:45 (ESV)
> For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Luke 6:38 (ESV)
> Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
---
### Observation Questions
1. According to Philippians 2:3-8, what specific attitudes and actions does Paul say should mark the life of a follower of Jesus?
2. In Mark 10:45, how does Jesus describe his own purpose in coming to earth? What two things does he say he came to do?
3. The sermon described the difference between a consumer and a contributor in the church. What are some practical examples given of each? [[07:14]]
4. According to Luke 6:38, what is the result of giving to others? How does this connect to the idea of being a channel rather than a container? [[28:39]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Paul emphasizes humility and putting others first as essential to following Jesus? How does this challenge the consumer mentality described in the sermon? [[21:03]]
2. The sermon said, “The church is not meant to be a place where we come to ‘get’ but a community where we come to ‘give.’” What might be some reasons people slip into a consumer mindset at church? [[06:03]]
3. Jesus “emptied himself” and took the form of a servant. What does it look like for us to “empty ourselves” in our daily lives? [[22:19]]
4. The sermon mentioned that as we pour out, God pours back in. How does this principle challenge fears about not having enough if we give? [[28:39]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to move from being spectators to participants in church life. In what areas of church or community life have you been more of a spectator? What is one step you could take to become a participant? [[09:06]]
2. Think about your relationships (family, friends, coworkers). Are there ways you tend to be a “consumer” rather than a “contributor”? What is one specific change you could make this week to be more others-focused? [[15:17]]
3. The message talked about daily self-denial and “taking up your cross.” What is one area of your life where self-denial is especially hard? How could you invite God to help you in that area this week? [[24:47]]
4. The sermon described the gifts and fruit of the Spirit as being for the benefit of others, not just ourselves. Which gift or fruit do you feel God has given you to share? How can you intentionally use it to bless someone else this month? [[30:37]]
5. The speaker said, “Even small acts of service and kindness can have a profound impact and make the gospel visible.” Can you think of a recent time when someone’s small act of service impacted you? What is one small act you could do for someone this week? [[38:30]]
6. The message warned that consumerism leads to dissatisfaction and criticism. Have you found yourself being critical of church or others lately? What would it look like to shift from criticism to encouragement? [[12:12]]
7. The sermon ended with a challenge: “Each of us has a part to play, and as we all row in the same direction, God’s kingdom advances and lives are changed.” What is one way you can “row in the same direction” with your church family this season? [[45:29]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person move from consumer to contributor, and to show specific ways to serve, give, and love others this week.
Devotional
Day 1: Adopt the Mindset of Christ: Serve, Don’t Consume
True Christlikeness is found in humbly serving others, not seeking our own interests, and valuing others above ourselves. When we look at the example of Jesus, we see that He gave up His divine privileges and took on the form of a servant, even to the point of death on a cross. This radical humility and self-giving love is the model for our lives. We are called to see people as Jesus does—worthy of our time, attention, and sacrifice. As you go about your day, consider how you can intentionally put others first, reflecting the heart of Christ in your actions and attitudes. [21:03]
Philippians 2:3-8 (ESV)
Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally serve today, putting their needs above your own, in a way that costs you something?
Day 2: Deny Yourself Daily and Follow Jesus
Following Jesus means daily turning away from selfish desires and choosing the hard but beautiful path of self-denial. Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross, which means dying to our own wants and comforts so that we can truly live for Him and others. This is not a one-time decision but a daily practice, requiring us to renew our minds and allow God to transform our thinking. As you face choices today, ask yourself: Am I feeding selfishness or selflessness? Let God’s Spirit help you starve selfishness and grow in Christlike love. [24:47]
Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to “take up your cross” and deny yourself today? What practical step can you take to do this?
Day 3: Giving Leads to God’s Abundant Provision
When you give generously—whether your time, resources, or love—God promises that you will never be left lacking. The principle of “give and it will be given to you” is a promise that as you pour out for others, God will pour back into your life, often in ways you do not expect. This is not just about finances, but about every area of life. As you trust God and give, you become a channel of His blessing, and He is faithful to supply all you need. [28:39]
Luke 6:38 (ESV)
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.
Reflection: What is one thing—time, encouragement, resources—you can give away today, trusting God to provide for you as you do?
Day 4: Use Your Gifts and Fruit for Others, Not Yourself
God has given you spiritual gifts and is growing the fruit of the Spirit in your life, not for your own benefit, but to bless and build up others. Just as a fruit tree produces fruit for others to enjoy, your gifts and character are meant to be shared. When you hold onto what God has given you, it stagnates, but when you give it away, it multiplies and brings life to the community. Ask God to show you how you can use your gifts and the fruit He’s growing in you to serve those around you today. [32:01]
1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)
To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
Reflection: What is one gift or quality God has given you that you can intentionally use to encourage or help someone else today?
Day 5: True Satisfaction Comes from Contributing, Not Consuming
A life focused on consuming—always seeking more for yourself—will never satisfy. True joy and fulfillment are found in giving, serving, and building up others. When you make life about others, you experience the beauty of community, trust, and love, and you reflect the very heart of God. Even small acts of kindness, like holding a door or listening to someone’s story, can be powerful ways to shift from a consumer to a contributor. As you go through your day, look for opportunities to give rather than get, and discover the deep satisfaction that comes from living like Jesus. [37:56]
Acts 20:35 (ESV)
In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’
Reflection: What is one small, specific act of kindness you can do today to bless someone else, expecting nothing in return?
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