Victory247

“Solomon paneled the main hall with pine and covered it with fine gold and decorated it with palm tree and chain designs. He adorned the temple with precious stones…” 2 Chronicles 3:5-6 (NIV)

I always thought in was interesting how God wanted specific decorating for the temple that Solomon built for Him. It must have been beautiful.

But does this contradict His New Testament teachings about striving after money and external beauty?  Some may say that it is a reflection of the inner beauty that He can create in those who receive Christ.

I’m not exactly sure how this temple-decorating thing works, but I do know that appearance does effect perception. I’ve walked into big, well built houses in expensive neighborhoods, and it was disorganized with stuff laying around everywhere. I’ve been around guys who have dirty clothes on, smell a little, just disheveled. I know in my heart that the sloppy house and unkempt attire really doesn’t effect how God sees us, but it does effect how those we are trying to encourage and help look at us. I know I secretly don’t respect my next door neighbor, and think less of them because the outside of their house and yard is so bad.

When I got out of college, on my own for the first time, I was a growing Christian who wanted be a good influence on others. I had an older, wiser man pull me aside to talk about how my apartment and dress effected how I was perceived. I was overzealously anti-materialistic, and needed to find a balance. I don’t have to have expensive stuff like fine gold lining my apartment hallways, but being clean and organized made me feel better, and helped others not be tempted to discard me and what I stood for.

PRAYER FOR TODAY

Heavenly Father, I don’t want to seek riches over seeking You, but help me to take care of the possessions You have given me. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.