When I was 15, I traveled to Europe with a group of teens
and adults, and experienced some amazing architectural designs. The most beautiful building was this massive
church adorned with some gorgeous displays of art and stained glass. It would have been easy for visitors to be
carried away with the beauty of the temple instead of its purpose. The desire of our hearts should always be the
worship of the One who 'stands behind the pulpit and deserves our attention.'
Each one of us is a temple of God with the Holy Spirit
residing within. The focus of our lives should
be the worship and service of God, instead of the plans we determine on our own. Personally speaking, on some days I focus more
on ‘straightening the hymnals and dusting the pews.’ I walk down the aisle assessing the temple
from my own standpoint, making plans of how it could be better. I miss the fact that at some point I allowed
distraction and self-focused thoughts to enter and take their place behind the
pulpit. They preach to me that I should
consider what service I want to do in the temple, and convince me that I
deserve better than my present assignment.
The temple music drifts into my sub-consciousness
lifting those old familiar songs, lulling me to sleep as I forget the purpose
of the temple. As I nap, a new speaker
comes in and takes over…the one who would love our worship and attention…Satan.
‘He will oppose and
exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshipped, so that he
sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.’ 2 Thess
2:4. As the Holy Spirit elbows me and
startles me from my sleep, my head snaps up and I realize that I have allowed
my own desires and ideas to take center stage, becoming my object of
worship. Faithfully my heart is realigned
with the help of the Holy Spirit and my worship returns.
We must stay spiritually alert with who speaks in our temple,
and what thoughts and desires we allow in the temple doors.
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