There is a cultic kind of condition developing within Christianity today composed of people who only want to be "fed." They run from church to church, book to book, tape to tape, and to all types of media attractions trying to hear something more to their liking. For these folk, being "fed" usually means hearing something which confirms their opinions. It supports their point of view or, as is often said, "It meets my needs." For the most part it is an entertainment mentality with a religious appeal.

In many ways such persons have taken the cross out of their faith and replaced it with a feeding trough. They eat and eat, but they seldom burn any of their spiritual calories in real religious exercise. Often a negative disposition develops when the latest feeding fad loses its luster. The new food is no longer new and the new voice settles into a tedious monotony. Itching ears begin to search for a more satisfying word.

Perhaps the answer to this feeding frenzy is to take off the bib, put on a towel, and wash some feet. Push back from the table and go to work in the fields that are ripe for the harvest. Dress in the full armor of Christ and do some Christian soldiering. Our Lord who said, "Come sup with me," also said, "Go into all the world and make disciples." He who said, "Feed my sheep," also said, "Deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow me."

Of course, it is right and proper to desire spiritual food. Teaching and preaching are essential to our religious diet. Just as our physical growth is dependent on good food, so is our spiritual progress. It is essential that we expose ourselves to that which gives us a healthy understanding of God. Our minds are indeed a part of our religious commitment. The Bible commends those who thirst for the truth.

Hearing and learning, however, are not enough. James tells us that hearing the word of God and doing nothing about it is like a man looking in a mirror and then immediately forgetting what he looks like. There is more to the Christian life than finding a good feeding trough. It is discovering a place and a way of interacting with the needs of the world. It is a beautiful life when the need to know is complemented with the need to go.