I looked up and marveled at the Byzantine architecture of FBC Waco this week. It was a labor of love. What if we did something beautiful for God? Have you ever wanted to do something to show the Lord your appreciation? Each church we have served has engaged in a substantial building program. Those who gave and those who worked knew they were building something to enhance the Kingdom. It has been beautiful to behold. I remember Bert, a woman in her seventies helping to put the roof on our building at one church. Tallowood's worship center is a beautiful gift.
During his reign, King David wanted to build a house for God but God built a house (family) for David. So David saved up and then gave his son Solomon the task of building the temple. Solomon spared no expense. Only the best was good enough for God.
Looking to the future, the great challenge for Tallowood and our sister churches is not the construction of a building. Our greatest task is to make disciples of all nations. We have the room in our buildings to accommodate the people God is bringing to us. When we grow as disciples and offer our whole lives to God in worship together, we are building the temple in which God lives.
Solomon himself would say, "The heaven of heavens cannot contain God, much less a building made by human hands." God lives in his people as we serve him together. Our gracious God deserves our best gifts. Let's offer our lives as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This is what God wants from us. Let's give the lion's share of our energy and attention to building up the body of Christ. When we do, it will be the most beautiful gift.
