The Temple

In reading God's word, there are many passages that at first glance don't have much relevance to how we live our lives today - or so it seems. I was reminded today of how relevant His word is for us while reading from 2 Chronicles about the building and dedication of God's temple by King Solomon. While reading, I asked of God to please show me what message I can get from my reading today that relates to how I walk with Him. This is what I got from the reading.

First of all, in the New Testament, the human body is referred to as the temple for God's Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Reading the description of how carefully and painstakingly decorated the temple was, I was convicted once again about how well am I caring for this fleshly temple that I call my body? Months and months will slip past without exercise and I am prone to partake of junk food at the drop of debit card. Physically, I am just now starting to try to prepare the temple to be a reflection of the One who dwells within.

It goes further though. Gold overlay was put up inside the temple of Solomon reflecting the pureness and holiness of the Lord. What images and literature am I overlaying in my mind? The bible plainly tells us to think on things that are pure, good, just.. How can God be honored and dwell within me if I foul His temple with garbage?

Finally, after the temple was completed, Solomon prayed to God and asked a blessing upon the temple and in essence, invited God to take residence. I find that I need to spend time in prayer. I need to communicate to my Lord that this is His temple and that I want Him to dwell within it and to be a blessing through it. If anyone reading this has not taken this step to accept Jesus' sacrifice and invite Him to be Lord of your life, there is no time like the present. Let His holy presence dwell within you.

When Solomon finished his prayer, the glory of the Lord filled the temple and was so overpowering that event he priests who were praising Him were overwhelmed and could not continue. Imagine the lives we could lead if we truly got ourselves out of the way and let God completely dwell in us! I want that! Even more so, I want that for you too.