We probably use the word love a little more casually than we ought to. And so much so, that we tend to forget what it really means. Far too often, we love things (and people) only as long as they are meeting our needs and keeping us happy.
When we say "I love my church" do we mean that we love God's church? Not just the facilities and resources it possesses or the ministries it offers but the people within its walls? And not just the people that you get along with? But more than that, do we love God so much that we want his will to be done and not our own?
I read in the Scriptures of Jesus who emptied himself, became a servant and was obedient unto death (Phil. 2). And who are we that we should receive such grace and benefit from such an amazing sacrifice?
Are we committed to loving and serving even when our perceived needs are not being met? Will we step forward to serve when the services we'd like to see are non-existent? Maybe you have a burden for a particular thing and God wants to use you to start something for his glory?
Sadly, our inclination is to withdraw from fellowship when we sense any lack. But if we are prayerful and devoted to understanding the teachings of the Scriptures, then our minds can be renewed with the attitude of Christ who came not to be served but to serve (Matt. 20:28). How much more should we have this attitude? We, who have been mercifully saved from our sin by his grace?
It's easy to recognize the selfless beauty of Christ's attitude and to appreciate it. But it is not so easy to put it into practice.
We tend to have the opposite attitude. It's not uncommon for God's people to have a consumer mindset toward church. When we buy something we expect it to be worth the money we spent on it. If we are taking the time to go to church, we might think "It had better be worth my while." Do you notice the attitude of entitlement there?
Don't get me wrong, being "fed" spiritually from the preaching of the Word is important. Being loved and encouraged in your faith are important. You might even be thinking that you would serve if only you were given the opportunity! But in all of this...our attitude...what is our attitude?
We really need to shift our focus from getting to giving. We should "Go to give". I read that somewhere years ago and it has stuck with me. Are there benefits that we will receive from the ministry of our church? Yes! But sometimes we will have to wait on the Lord, his timing, his work in hearts, his will for us. These things do not happen over night. And God is far more interested in us having the attitude of Christ and submitting to his will than in getting our own way.
It is tragic that people spend so much time "feeling disconnected" and not having their expectations met that they fail to realize just how connected they really are!
God desires for us to live out this true and vital connection with the Body of Christ by having the attitude of Christ. He came to serve. If even the King of glory had this attitude, shouldn't we?
(NOTE: To be clear, there are unhealthy and unsafe situations that a person should not remain in. Please prayerfully seek wisdom from the Lord and godly counsel from people that you trust. I am speaking here to Christians who are in churches that have biblical preaching, teaching and practice. Yet, as all churches are, imperfect places where people sin and don't get it right 100% of the time.)