What would church be like if we had to apply for membership? What would our congregations look like if each family who wished to become part of a particular body was required to sign a form indicating that they promise to support the church financially, support the church by involvement in some kind of ministry, support the church by submitting the the eldership of the church, even when they don't particularly agree with what they are doing?

What would our churches look like if our members were required to be in the game. No one is a bench warmer, under any circumstances. What if each of our members took seriously the power of scripture to transform our thought from coming to church to get something for me, to coming to church to pour out every last ounce of myself for this body and for each person in it?

Isn't that why we are here? Why are we so lax on some things and not on others. How can scripture tell us not to use instruments, but we completely ignore the passages such as when Paul said he would "pour himself out like a drink offering"? Is church about doing things right or just DOING something for Christ? So, why don't we start from the beginning holding each other accountable, walking WITH each other on this journey through thick and thin, completely pouring ourselves out just exactly as Christ did...