The stress level in American homes today is through the roof. Uncertainty about everything from egg prices to job losses creates a nagging unease. Measles is back, the flu is still running rampant, and even though the sky is clear today, will a tornado blow us away tomorrow?
Watching scenes flash across the television of towns destroyed by savage wars started by brutal people doesn’t help with our anxiety. Headlines of distrust, bitterness, and woe contribute to the downward spiral of hopelessness. And the political landscape we have created for more than ten years puts bitter icing on a terrible cake.
Where do we turn when folks who disagree with us turn away? Today, many friends and family associate only with those who align with their beliefs. Such distinctive division causes destructive narrow-mindedness. Mastering the art of non-confrontational conversation is a valuable skill that is often overlooked. Finding common ground can be challenging in a polarized world where opinions are often strictly divided between right and left.
Every town and village in America features buildings with crosses prominently displayed above their doors. The cross should symbolize the serenity, peace, acceptance, and understanding that Christ exemplified.
Our meeting place must reside within God’s domain. Each of His houses has a different name and teaches various doctrines, but ultimately, harmony reigns if we put God first.
“Mom, stop cleaning my room!” my teenage daughter told me one Saturday morning. I assume, like most teens, she thought I was snooping. And like most moms, I probably was, but as usual, her room was a bona fide mess.
“My dear, this may be your messy room, but it is my house! Respect me and clean up the space where you dwell!”
Our heavenly Father owns his home outright. We can mess it up with our ways, but we must respect him enough to clean us up.
Mixing politics and religion is dangerous if people allow them to become problematic. Unfortunately, that happens quite often. Perhaps someone doesn’t like a sermon or a prayer because it sounds more left than right or vice versa. We are so polarized today that we can look at a rock or a person and swear it’s leaning too far the wrong way.
God’s houses, whether large or small, are for worship, prayer, and finding solace. Church leaders should consistently challenge us to grow as disciples of our faith, in accordance with the Lord’s word. Since God welcomes everyone, all places of worship must do the same, promoting a sense of community and unity.
Jesus lost his cool when the synagogue began selling merchandise and collecting money. He turned over the money changers’ tables and said, “It is written in the Scriptures, ‘My Temple is to be a place of prayer for all nations,’ but you have turned it into ‘a den of robbers.'” — Mark 11: 17.
We may not be selling doves today or include stalls at our churches, but we sure have prejudice, politics, and arrogance running through the aisles. While churches split because of contrasting views, God cries because His doors are closing and pews are emptying.
We go to our places of worship to ease our stress and comfort our suffering, not add to it. God’s houses should serve as a respite from the outside world, even if just for an hour. Our Father reminds us that He will hold us when we are afraid of tomorrow. He accepts us for who we are and forgives us for our mistakes. In community worship, we can find the strength needed to endure the tornadoes of human life.
Kindness, humility, and understanding are the doctrines of God’s house—acceptance of our differences, respect for others, and love reign in His chambers. Before we enter worship, we must leave hatred, our right and left wings, and our selfishness outside.
This week begins Lent. Instead of giving up chocolate, give up bias. Set aside your burdensome leaning wings and rise with the angels. Instead of sacrificing something for Lent, consider giving something away to someone in greater need. Choose to replace anger with understanding and hatred with love. In other words, honor God in the home He created for us.
Folks say, “We don’t need religion to do what is right.” No, we don’t, but we need a place to build and strengthen our faith and capacity to use it. Encouraging one another in love and service is the bedrock of all religious gatherings.
“Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11: 28
Don’t we all need the motivation to give our burdens, differences, and anger to the only one who can carry them?
