Not My Calling...

“My son, I had it in my heart to build a house for the Name of the LORD my God. But this word of the LORD came to me… ‘You are not to build a house for my Name…’ 1 Ch 22:7-8.

King David had spent the biggest part of his life following God and passionately serving Him in whatever manner God chose. It was only natural that after all of the battles he fought and won at God’s direction, he would be the one to build the temple of the Lord. However, it was not the will of God for King David to build. Can you imagine the disappointment for David when he discovered it would be another to build for the Lord? Did he wonder if he had done something wrong? Was he being punished? The thoughts must have kept him up at night.

As I became an adult I thought that being a Christian meant doing whatever needed to be done in the church. Whenever there was a need I was the first to claim the job and run off to accomplish the task. My calendar seemed to always have a to-do item in the name of the Lord. However, what really mattered to God was the condition of my heart. It seems the closer I get to God the further I move away from understanding His will for my life. Am I to build? What am I to build? When am I to build? The questions can be dizzying as they swirl around in my head. These questions certainly have a place but not at the front of the line. David gives sound advice to everyone involved with building the temple. ‘Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the LORD your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the LORD God…’ 1 Ch 22:19. David understood that everyone had a part in building but not until each had sought God with everything in them.

Our passion and devotion must first be anchored in the person of God instead of the work of God. When our desires center on our unchanging God our areas of service will be revealed. Through our fellowship with Him we will discover His desires for our assignments in His timing. We cannot successfully build an indwelling of Christ in our hearts until we transform the attitudes of our hearts. In looking back, I realize I had it backwards. I thought that through service I would experience God but now I know that through God I will experience service.