You understand that a church is not a building. Then how do you view your church? Buildings are usually built for a purpose, so you are familiar with stores and schools and libraries and homes. My church is not a store and I made this point forcefully saying, you shall not make my Father’s house a place of merchandise. This statement implies the answer. A church should be a home for my Father. You are already familiar with homes, and know that the atmosphere of a home reflects those who live there. You are only comfortable as a guest if they are loving. Be mindful of my presence and influence as you enter my home and strive to manage your own home in such a way that I will feel comfortable as a guest there. 

My word teaches you to support my work financially, and you receive a lot of encouragement to do so from those in a position to receive such funds. It is reasonable for you to want your contributions to be effective, so you are wise to be selective and use discretion in your giving. You have heard of financial scandals within the church. Do you use these as an excuse for not giving? I will deal with those who misuse my money, but I am just as pleased with your sacrifice and act of giving even if it goes astray. For I love a cheerful given and it is still more blessed to give than to receive. 

Do you want to get what you deserve? Would you want to get what you deserved if you realized that you were already getting better than you deserved? In that case getting what you deserve would be a step down. An entitlement mentality causes you to grasp for your due. My word teaches you gratitude rather than entitlement. It asks what you have that you did not receive, and the implied answer is nothing. If you can understand this then you can receive it with joy and thanksgiving, and release your grasping. Blessed are those who know that they are already receiving my blessing and favor. 

Do you understand that your walk of faith takes a lifetime? After you are saved you still have a lifetime of study, growth, and maturity ahead of you. Do not expect to ‘arrive’ in this world. Do you also understand that spiritual growth is urgent? There is a tendency to think that urgent tasks should be completed quickly, and those that take a lifetime can be completed at a leisurely pace. So one criteria would seem to be in opposition to the other, but both are valid aspects of your faith. Patience as a spiritual fruit is not just a willingness to wait for results. It allows you to remain engaged and active while the long term results come about.