I paused to watch some construction. It reminded me of a childhood summer when several new homes were being built in my neighborhood. I haunted the masons, carpenters, plumbers and electricians. They didn’t seem to mind for often they included me in the soft drinks purchased for the mid-morning break. As a result of such time spent I learned several new vocabulary words for which my mother was shocked and punished me for using. While I have never again used them I still know them and I am fearful when I become old I might lose my sense of propriety and once again use them.
At the close of Ephesians 2 Paul speaks of God building a “holy temple”. Christ is the cornerstone and the apostles are the foundation. He closes with “In Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by His Spirit.” It would not be becoming to lose my propriety and thus bring disrepute on the Spirit that dwells in me. If I did, would God move out and would I cease to be a “holy temple”? I am comforted by the Old Testament story of Samuel selecting a replacement for Saul. I Samuel 16:7 says, “The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.”
Jesus knows our flesh is weak. He knows what we want to be. He knows that our humanity often does and says things we would not do if we were in control of our cognitive functions. Just in case someday you hear me saying something awful and you later you see me in heaven, just remember that Jesus was more interested in my heart than my mouth.
Written by Roger Bothwell on October 31, 2013
Spring of Life Ministry, PO 124, St. Helena, CA 94574
Rogerbothwell.org