My Temple

1 Kings 8:11

"So that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud: for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of the LORD."

This verse ought to serve as a great encouragement to all of God's children. Solomon was by no means a perfect person, neither were the laborers who built this temple. And yet God was pleased to dwell in this imperfect temple that they offered sacrificially to Him.

We cannot understand the depth and breadth of God's holiness. Nor can we understand the true depth and breadth of our own personal depravity. Yet God is pleased to not only dwell when you, but within you.

Solomon's temple was no doubt beyond magnificent, but does anyone honestly think that God, Creator of the mountains, the oceans, the sun and stars, and the very trees, stones, and gold used to build the temple was impressed with the offering? We know God sees the heart of man, knowing the thoughts and intents. This is what is pleasing to Him - obedience is better than sacrifice. God sees the heart of true worshipers who gladly, willingly offer everything they have and are to Him, and that is what pleases Him.

Have you surrendered your life and body to God as a temple for His dwelling place? Does the fact that as a Christian you are God's temple affect the way you live today? In what specific ways?