Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8
This question is common in every area of life. It should come as no surprise for people to ask this question as selfishness has plagued humanity since the garden. In our culture, this mindset has not always been as acute as it is now. So, what happened? Over time, our sense of community has weakened, and our sense of individualism has grown. Neighbors rarely know one another anymore, and those who do often share only a superficial connection. Even within family units, it is often every man/woman for his/her self. Therefore, it is little wonder that some view Christ and His church in much the same way. As always, the cultural trends seep into the church, and the church suffers. Living with our primary concern being what we get out of a given thing is antithetical to Christianity as it is antithetical to the example Christ set for us. This does not mean it is wrong to secure our needs. It simply means our gain should not be our primary motivation. A few biblical reminders should help guard us from this trap in our relationship to Christ and His church.
First, worship and service are all about God. The word worship means “to kiss the hand towards one in token of reverence” (Thayer), and “to adore, fall or prostrate before” (Zodhiates). Worship is God-centered, not man-centered (cf. John 4:24). It is difficult to bow before another as it is a clear sign of submission and subservience. However, a proper understanding of who God is, who we are, and what God has done for us in Christ should remove such pride. As Paul said, when we were living in trespasses and sins, we were “…children of wrath, But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ…” (Ephesians 2:3-5). This He did at the cost of sacrificing His Son (John 3:16; Hebrews 9:11-15; 1 Peter 1:17-19). Jesus granted us the privilege of coming near to God (Hebrews 4:14-16; 7:19; 10; 19-22). For this cause, opportunities to worship and serve Him are an honor, not a burden (1 John 5:2-3).
Second, Christianity is a “one another” religion. So many passages emphasize our deep connection to one another. As Christians we are to: “Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another…” (Romans 12:10), “Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others” (Philippians 2:3-4), and “Therefore, strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed” (Hebrews 12:12-13). We can fulfill none of these if our primary concern is what we get out of the things we do.
Finally, there is tremendous benefit for each of us as we work and worship together at the feet of the Almighty. Moses told the children of Israel that the commandments of God were for their good always (Deuteronomy 6:24). The Hebrews writer reiterated this reality concerning the discipline of the Lord (Hebrews 12:7-13). Considering Paul’s statement that our service to God has nothing to do with His needs (Acts 17:24-25), it becomes evident that our worship and service is clearly for our good, not His. So, what’s in it for us? More than we could ever imagine (1 Corinthians 2:9; 2 Corinthians 9:15; Ephesians 3:20-21; Philippians 4:19; Colossians 2:9-10; 1 Timothy 6:5-6; 2 Peter 1:3).