1 Chronicles 29: 1-14
This passage of scripture talks about elaborate price and plans for a new temple set up by King David.
When you read through the passage and read of the sacrifices people made to build such a place was
quite high in relation to the cost of materials.
The tail end of verse one says, " the work however, is great, for this palace is not meant for human beings, but for God."
Look at verse 9. " The people rejoiced over these free-will offerings, for they had been contributed to The Lord wholeheartedly. King David also rejoiced greatly."
Maybe you attend a church that has great marble pillars. Great statues of saints. Dramatic wood carvings which may include elaborate depictions of the Crucifixion of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Maybe your go to a "Mega-Church" with seating for at least 1,000 people. Maybe you use PowerPoint
to put the words of the worship songs on towering screens. Some Mega-Churches even house coffee shops as well as gift shops.
Maybe your church takes place in a small former store front. You may be reminded not to despise small beginnings.
Maybe you have church in your living room and you cram as many people as possible in the space just to be in the presence of God with other believers.
And in places like China where religion is banned a small space might not be the only issue. You may be risking your life to share your faith.
Here's the important question, what is the spirit of the place you go to worship?
What is the leadership dedicated to? Are you in a place that despite you're best intentions is a "den of thieves." The message is what can your money do for me instead of what does your attendance mean to the Kingdom of God?
Where do tithes and offerings go?
Do you give out of obligation or are you a cheerful giver who expects that your donation to go to the spreading of The Good News of The Gospel of Jesus Christ?
The most important question that goes along with this question is your reasons for going to church in the first place.
Are you someone who goes to church on Christmas and Easter which is a miracle in itself?
Maybe you make donations for tax refunds or to get your name on a pew. I hope not.
After all our bodies are to be the Temple of The Holy Spirit.
Is your outward appearance all for show? Or is your entire being a place that represents the one true and living God?
Maybe you should look at your lease and see if your keeping your temporary residence clean and welcoming for our creator.
God made us from dust and brought to life with his breath.
Is this temple filthy and filled with false idols?
Is the foundation solid or is crumbling?
Is your temple being destroyed by drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, pornography, or decay from other addictions that eat away at your soul like termites?
I challenge you to allow the ultimate health inspector to take a look at you body, soul, and mind. God can repair any damage done.
We must be transformed by the renewing of our minds.
You were be built to be beautiful in the eyes of The Lord.
The bill for bringing us up to code was paid for by the blood, sweat, and tears of Jesus Christ. The cornerstone the builders rejected.
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