Some House Shaking?

Earthquakes can really shake things up. They have a way of gaining people's attention. However, that is not the only kind of shaking up that goes on in this world. There is some shaking up of a spiritual nature that really needs to take place.

In Matthew's account of Jesus cleansing the temple we read. . .
"(12) And JESUS ENTERED THE TEMPLE and DROVE OUT ALL WHO SOLD AND BOUGHT in the temple, and he OVERTURNED THE TABLES of the money-changers AND THE SEATS of those who sold pigeons. (13) He said to them, "It is written, 'My house shall be called a house of prayer,' but you make it a den of robbers." " ( Matthew 21:12-13 ESV)

To say the least, Jesus got the attention of those there. According to Luke's account it shook the world of some of the leaders enough that they sought to destroy Him. ( Luke 19:47)

Recently reading through this passage I was struck by an inward focus relative to our body being the temple of the Holy Spirit. ( 1 Corinthians 6:19) What is going on in there? Things happen in life that cause our stomach to turn. We find ourselves in situations that cause our heart to leap. We hear things that sometimes send the mind spinning. We can really get all shook up about life events.

Though there is a lot that goes on inside of us, it is not all of a physical nature. What is going on within us that relates to our relationship with God? What are we stacking and accumulating on the table of our heart? What kind of transactions and what sort of business is being carried on there? Is it a place where stolen goods have been hidden away and where plans of thievery are being made; seeking selfish gain (financial, position, power, or our own way, etc.) at the expense of others? What are we allowing to sit in there and occupy the space? Is there a need for Jesus to overturn that table and chair and to drive out the business we have been carrying on within? Or is it really GOD'S HOUSE with THE LORD'S BUSINESS taking place?

What are we making of the place where God is to dwell by His Spirit? WHAT KIND OF HOUSE HAS OUR LIFE BECOME? Is it where God is truly being honored and from which come honest and compassionate dealings with others? Is it truly becoming HIS PLACE; a place of holiness and of prayer and praise focused to glorify Him? If not, may we allow Jesus to make some "sweeping" changes in our life. Let us remain open to our life becoming more and more a suitable habitation for God.

Have a great day ALLOWING JESUS TO KEEP OUR HOUSE IN ORDER!
Carl

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