A Thought in August
Last evening Gloria and I watched a presentation that included video of European Cathedrals, emphasizing their historic significance and grandeur. It was a moving reminder of the tremendous efforts and expenses contributed to build a house for God.
In our Morning Prayer Old Testament reading this morning from 2 Samuel we hear that the Lord instructed Nathan the prophet to tell King David to build a house for God. We have a long enduring history of magnificent structures being built for God.
Yet, as great as such houses continue to be, there is another more intimate house building that must occur. That is to allow the Spirit of God to build us into that place where God lives and acts. We call it Spiritual Formation. It is a lifelong process.
The remaining days of summer can be an opportune time to reflect on what that means, to allow space before the frenetic fall schedules come upon us to simply listen, to prayerfully ponder what being a living house for God could look like and might call forth from us.
Be cautioned, though, that internal arguments might ensue. As this morning’s second reading from Acts tells us, every Sabbath Paul would argue with the Jews and Greeks, trying to convince them about Jesus. Anyone who has ever built a house knows it cannot be done without argument.
I encourage us to let the inner arguments happen, to listen to them, and not be too surprised at what we might learn about this house building business – especially as it relates to our own gifts and calling.
