Squirrels vs. Jesus: Who Are You Imitating?

In a world obsessed with self-fulfillment and personal comfort, the message from Romans 12:13 stands in stark contrast to our culture: "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." This powerful directive isn't merely a checklist of behaviors but rather describes a fundamental way of being that should characterize authentic followers of Christ.

The American church has frequently misunderstood its purpose. Many believers approach church with consumer mindsets, leaving congregations because "they weren't being fed" or "it just wasn't a good fit." However, this perspective fundamentally misses the point. The church was never designed to revolve around our preferences or comfort. Instead, it exists for Jesus and others. This outward focus forms the foundation for understanding Paul's instructions about contribution and hospitality.

When Paul commands us to "contribute to the needs of the saints," he's addressing two distinct aspects of contribution. First, he clearly means giving our money and goods to those who need it. The early church modeled this radical generosity in Acts 2:45 when believers "were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all as any had need." This wasn't hyperbole but literal action – a stark contrast to our often materialistic culture where accumulation trumps distribution. Our natural tendency resembles that of children clutching toys they aren't even using, declaring "Mine!" with fierce determination. We develop a scarcity mindset, believing that giving to others means having less for ourselves.

Beyond financial giving, Paul is addressing something potentially more challenging: contributing our time. While writing a check or making an online donation requires little personal investment, giving time demands real sacrifice. Our attention has become increasingly fragmented in the digital age, with platforms designed to keep us scrolling and consuming rather than connecting and serving. Studies show the average attention span for YouTube Shorts is merely 17 seconds, revealing how conditioned we've become to constant stimulation. Furthermore, our schedules feel perpetually full – though interestingly, we're rarely "too busy" for activities that bring us personal pleasure. The sacrifice of time for others represents true discipleship.

Why does Scripture consistently command us to give? Is it simply to fund church operations? The answer lies in Matthew 6:33: "Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." Our giving reveals whose kingdom we're truly building. Many Christians prioritize retirement savings and future security while neglecting kingdom investments, despite having no guarantee of tomorrow. While wisdom in financial planning isn't wrong, our priorities often reveal a fundamental misunderstanding of our purpose as believers. Our kingdoms aren't everlasting – most people can't even name their great-grandparents – yet we focus our energy on building temporary empires rather than contributing to God's eternal one.

The second part of Paul's instruction – to "seek to show hospitality" – is equally counterintuitive to our self-centered nature. The word "seek" implies active pursuit, not passive accommodation. We're called to create opportunities for hospitality, going out of our way to welcome others into our lives and homes. This might mean adjusting the thermostat for guests' comfort despite our preferences, organizing gatherings, or initiating coffee meetings. True hospitality isn't waiting for church-organized events but personally extending welcome to others as a reflection of Christ's character.

Ultimately, Paul's instruction underscores a fundamental truth about discipleship: it's not about us. Following Jesus means denying ourselves daily, taking up our cross, and following Him. When believers complain about "not being fed" at church without considering who they're feeding, they've missed the transformational nature of the gospel. We're called to move beyond being among the 5,000 who were fed and join the disciples who distributed the bread and fish to others.

The heart of this passage challenges us to honestly evaluate: are we truly disciples of Jesus, or merely consumers of religious goods and services? If we claim to follow Christ yet refuse His commands, we're essentially saying, "I don't care what you have to tell me" through our actions. Jesus Himself prayed, "Not my will, but yours be done," even when facing the cross. As His followers, we're called to the same surrender and service – not because it benefits us, but because we've been bought with a price. Our lives are no longer our own.