Enough: Lent DevotionalsNäide

ENOUGH: DWELLING

“The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.” (Acts 17:24)

I love to visit churches in cities around the world. This not only helps me to connect with the leaders in the churches, but also to understand the values of the people attending those churches. 

Unfortunately, these churches often resemble the personal lifestyles of Christians spending too much on themselves, instead of sharing their financial resources with others. These churches often look more like opulent temples than places where God is a living reality in the daily living of his people. 

Yes, some of these churches might be involved in helping the poor in their communities – at least in a small way… but according to Acts 17:24, God might actually reject these churches because of the focus on themselves! 

We must be careful that the same does not happen with us and our churches. How do we deal with money and possessions? How is this approach reflected in the church buildings where we worship?

Lord, thank You for all the resources that You have given me and my church. I know that You blessed us to be a blessing to others. Forgive me when my church and I spend more on ourselves instead of giving to those in need whom You care about. In Jesus’ name, amen. 

Sas Conradie, Tearfund