Some Christians may want to leave the church and change to another one when they see something desirable there. Pastor Cui, from a church in central China, said that believers should have a sense of commitment to the church.
What is the definition of commitment to the church? Some traditional churches think that a commitment should be maintaining a staff in the church and organizing some gatherings or service. In Pastor Cui's opinion, the so-called commitment is the self-adaptation of brothers and sisters. They establish a close relationship by helping each other. They grow up together in the church.
The spiritual communication among Christians is not set up in a day. It is necessary for them to pray and worship together in the church. They should also serve and encourage each other. If a believer often changes churches or changes the church's activities, it will be difficult for him to build a long-term relationship with a fixed group of Christians. He can't realize his problems. Even if he has realized them, it is not easy for them to get rid of their bad habits by themselves.
Is it easy to stay in a fixed church for a long time? According to Pastor Cui, it is not easy to be committed to the church, but believers need this kind of stable relationship.
"The relationship between believers and the church is just like marriage. Marriage is a stable relationship. A couple will go through the honeymoon period and reach the seventh year itch. If the couple can adapt to each other, they will live in peace. If they can't tolerate each other, they may quarrel with each other and get divorced."
The believers and the church must go through a period of grinding with each other. "Believers are committed to and help each other. They share the heavy burden together. Their commitment can shape our characters and get rid of some bad habits for us."
However, many people don't want to go through the period of grinding with others. "They would feel that the problem was someone else's fault. They are not willing to reflect on themselves." Believers with such kind of mind will change the church frequently. "But it's more troubling," said Pastor Cui.
"A couple won't get divorced at random. If they have disputes, they should calm down and solve the problem. There will always be disputes in a marriage."
It is also the same case in the church. "There is no perfect church in the world, just like there is no perfect mate in marriage. You must adapt yourself to others."
When we choose to be committed to a church, what matters most isn't its luxuriant building, graceful worship or excellent sermon. What matter is the fact we feel ourselves as a part of the church. We communicate and help each other in the church. We make full use of our gifts for the church. As Ephesians 4:16 says, "When you help each other, you will grow and build yourself in love."
Translated by Emma Ma
