The church is the servant of God. God is not the servant of the church. Measuring the church by how much we enjoy it, or what it has done for us, or by how much we like the people, or how much we agree with the focus and mission — they all miss the mark.

We would hope that people might be helped, healed, moved toward maturity, taught, and helped to live more holy lives. But that is not the focus. That is the result of knowing God and of being in the presence of his glorious Son, by the Spirit he has given us.

The church exists for the praise of God and for the evangelization of the world. It does not exist for the benefit of the people. The church is for the praise of the glory of the grace of God. The people of ancient churches saw their lives as absolutely expendable if the Gospel would be spread by their sacrifice. They would never have made a decision to be part of a church because of the benefit to them. That would be utterly alien to them. It would have been denounced as a fundamental misunderstanding of what the church is as the Body of Christ.

The glory of Christ is not focused on meeting the needs of people. His glory is accessible and it is transformative in the lives of those of us who meet him and serve him. People who love God continually offer our lives to God to do with as he pleases — not as we please.

Therefore we must get away from such ideas as choosing a church because of what it does for me. Looking for a church that I enjoy. Wanting a church with programs. Desiring a church that does this or that mission or outreach. Rather, we should seek a church that brings us to maturity; that challenges our sin; that teaches us about the character and nature of God; a church that gives us the whole of the Biblical message; and especially, a church where the glory of Christ is preeminent and where the glory of Christ is in conflict with anything that might seek to diminish or lessen his glory directing and empowering our lives.

Simple Questions to ask:
Am I in a church for my needs to be met, or because God is glorious and deserving of all my love and praise?
Does the gathering of the church result in the honor and praise of God; or in addressing the needs of people?

God’s people are ministered to most when they engage in the praise of God and in loving him with everything they have and are.

Who is serving Whom? We are serving God. And in serving and loving him, we are made more holy, and more whole.