February 18, 2015
The problem is called an edifice complex. It is misguided attachment to a place and building; making a shrine out of brick and mortar.
“the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: 'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?' says the Lord, 'OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE? ‘WAS IT NOT MY HAND WHICH MADE ALL THESE THINGS?’ “ (Acts 7.48-50)
I live in the shadow of a massive and expensive structure, designed to be the dwelling place of God. Within it is even a room in which those present are supposedly especially close to God. It is an interesting thought and concept, but not a biblical one. As Stephen so clearly pointed out, the Creator cannot be contained within any of His creation. He cannot be placed in a box, so to speak.
It can rightly be stated that there are no holy places; only holy people. “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3.16) Where the people of God are, there the presence of God is. And therein can lie the source of confusion. Many people feel especially close to God when worshipping in a church building on a Sunday morning. As such, it’s easy to conclude that He inhabits this house of God. But, He does so only so long as His real dwelling place is there: His holy people. On Monday morning, the church is out in the world, and no longer in the place where it met for worship.
So, why does any of this matter to us? Because the temptation to put God in a box severely limits our perspective of, and experience with, our Creator. As the One who is infinitely greater than the sum total of all He has created, He can be partially found in many places and ways. But ultimately, He can only truly be experienced through His Son, Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14.6)
An edifice complex easily becomes a form of idolatry, and a tragic substitute for a vital relationship with our Creator through His Son. He is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth (John 4.23). May we be led by His word, and the Living Word, to the changing and growing experience of daily worship He most desires.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
“the Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands; as the prophet says: 'HEAVEN IS MY THRONE, AND EARTH IS THE FOOTSTOOL OF MY FEET; WHAT KIND OF HOUSE WILL YOU BUILD FOR ME?' says the Lord, 'OR WHAT PLACE IS THERE FOR MY REPOSE? ‘WAS IT NOT MY HAND WHICH MADE ALL THESE THINGS?’ “ (Acts 7.48-50)
I live in the shadow of a massive and expensive structure, designed to be the dwelling place of God. Within it is even a room in which those present are supposedly especially close to God. It is an interesting thought and concept, but not a biblical one. As Stephen so clearly pointed out, the Creator cannot be contained within any of His creation. He cannot be placed in a box, so to speak.
It can rightly be stated that there are no holy places; only holy people. “Do you not know that you are a temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (1 Corinthians 3.16) Where the people of God are, there the presence of God is. And therein can lie the source of confusion. Many people feel especially close to God when worshipping in a church building on a Sunday morning. As such, it’s easy to conclude that He inhabits this house of God. But, He does so only so long as His real dwelling place is there: His holy people. On Monday morning, the church is out in the world, and no longer in the place where it met for worship.
So, why does any of this matter to us? Because the temptation to put God in a box severely limits our perspective of, and experience with, our Creator. As the One who is infinitely greater than the sum total of all He has created, He can be partially found in many places and ways. But ultimately, He can only truly be experienced through His Son, Jesus: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” (John 14.6)
An edifice complex easily becomes a form of idolatry, and a tragic substitute for a vital relationship with our Creator through His Son. He is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth (John 4.23). May we be led by His word, and the Living Word, to the changing and growing experience of daily worship He most desires.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2015
Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/
Amazon ebook & print devotional -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FQ1Q9GW
paperback print copy of book — https://www.createspace.com/4500045
posted by steve @ 8:07 AM
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