“He stopped everyone from using the Temple as a marketplace.” Mark 11:16 NLT
Most churches are run like businesses these days. Pastors and leaders act like executives who measure success in numbers. How many tithing units? What is the weekly collection? What programs attract more consumers: coffee shops, children’s programs, entertaining music, bookstores? What kind of promotional materials would be best for marketing? How can we raise more money for bigger buildings and higher salaries?
Jesus had something else in mind.
“My Temple will be called a house of prayer.” (Mark 11:17 NLT)
How rare it is to find a quiet prayer space in a church these days! It is difficult to get away from the temptations of the marketplace. Even our physical and mental zones are preoccupied by the culture of consumption. Thus, regular decluttering is often required before we can clear room for prayer. We can carve out private time in our days to commune with God. We can share our concerns and listen for directions. We can work in companionable silence with the Lord. Our bodies, specifically our minds, can become temples where we hang out with Jesus.
No comments:
Post a Comment