Sometimes, when we gather on Sunday, we quote verses like:

I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD.” (Ps 122:1)

As we quote these verses, we are celebrating the joy of worshipping together in the “household of God.” It is not that we don’t know the truth about where God lives. We quickly affirm what Paul told those gathered at Mars Hill:

“The God who made the world and all things in it,
since He is Lord of heaven and earth,
does not dwell in temples made with hands…” (Acts 17:24)

In the Old Testament, the people of God did focus on a place. God had taught them to worship Him through the design of the Tabernacle (and, later the Temple). God had given great detail to teach them of His character and to teach them how to approach Him in His holiness.

The place represented their special relationship with their God and when the place was right…the relationship was right. When the place was neglected, the relationship was being neglected.

As New Testament believers, we know the worship of God is not limited to a place. Every day, we must keep ourselves pure as vessels of honor.

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” (I Cor. 3:16).

The place we gather on Sunday is special because we worship together there but our worship is not limited to that place! There is a sense of awe in our “gathering place” because we have memories of what God has taught us and how He has worked in our lives through the years. But, we know that when we leave “the place” we are not leaving God behind in His house!

Now, the focus is on the household of God. The household: the church; the people of God; the needs of the family, the business of the owner (God), etc. As the Household of Faith, we are the Body of Christ in the world and the living representatives of His transforming power. As the Household of God, we must keep ourselves focused on His business and His desires for His Family.

The pastor is called the “overseer” and “steward” in the household of God.(1)  With great respect and accountability, your pastors join me in assuming that role. We know that we are “stewards of the mysteries of God.(2)

The people of God also share in the “stewardship.” God called us (ALL) to Himself; and has given us (ALL) the ministry of reconciliation; and through us (ALL) He is pleading with the world: “Be reconciled with God!” (3)

Father,
It is good to gather with Your people. I am amazed that You, the King of Glory, live in my heart through the Holy Spirit. I know that I am the temple of God!
As I worship with Your People today, I commit myself to live as a good steward in the Household of God. In Jesus Name, Amen.

(1) 1 Tim. 3:9, 15, Titus 1:7
(2) 1 Cor. 4:1-2
(3) 2 Cor. 5: 18-20