God is building His home.
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:4-5)
A lot of Christianity that I observed over the years was focused on establishing a physical presence in the locality. In addition to having one person in charge of the gathering, it was crucial that they had their own space – preferably owned – so that they could largely conduct their weekly services. It was a status symbol to have your own building, and large amounts of funds would be raised in the hope of attaining such a symbol. Then by the time it was purchased, there was the effort and investment required to maintain it and make it a presentable space for the regulars and any visitors.
Occasionally, I’d be disturbed by the level of focus on the building. As if the place of worship itself became an idol that people pandered to. As if the focus on that was at the cost of other elements of the church, elements that the Scriptures indicated were priorities for those called to Christ.
It’s something I’m still mindful of when I come across gatherings of believers who overlook the importance of building each other up in the holy faith in preference for the pursuit of a place where they can showcase their place in the world.
As I’m mindful of that, I do remember why it’s important to think of building projects, because scripture is full of God’s building projects – from the ark to the tabernacle to the temple. His greatest building project, however, is what Peter refers to. God is interested in building a place of His own on earth in preparation for what He will bring down from heaven at the culmination of all things. What He’s building as the place of His own on earth is made of living stones. It’s formed of people who were previously without identity, but now, because of Jesus, they are transformed and adopted into the family of God through His great mercy.
There’s the adoption into the family and there’s the placement in the home. The way God Himself chooses to fit brother next to brother and sister next to sister in godly relationships reflects His character and conduct, so that people will recognise the building through the faith, hope, and love that mark out those who are His. The way God sets them up to present to the world as the place He loves to dwell in, as their lives together portray the wonder of His rule to the praise of His glory.
As God’s people are mindful of His building project through their lives, relationships, activities and commitments, then it puts everything else into perspective. It’s why the position people have in God’s Kingdom is so important, as each one has a valuable role as part of God’s home. The place where He belongs.
The place of His own.
For His Name’s Sake
C. L. J. Dryden
Shalom
Next Steps
Reflect: You are a living stone. What does that mean to you, and how does that affect your perspective on what it means to be a part of the church?
Pray: We look to You, heavenly Father, as the chief Architect, to arrange us and help us recognise our place in You. Help us prioritise the things that matter to You in displaying Your glory to the watching world as You take residence among us.
Act: Intentionally plan a conversation with a Christian friend to work out how you can both be more deliberate about marking God’s building project in your lives in a way that will be to the praise of God and of service to your local community.
