WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE!!!

"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?  If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple."
(I Corinthians 3:16-17)

The Apostle Paul writes to the church in Corinth about the implosion that is taking place in their fellowship.  There is conflict because the church is focused on petty issues, personality conflicts and personal agendas rather than building the church.  Paul even chastises the church by referring to them as babies in Christ for they are still worldly in their jealousy and quarreling.  He utilizes three metaphors in the chapter to describe the church, "God's fellow workers, God's field, and God's building."  (3:9)   Paul describes how he laid a foundation in the building and how another is building on the foundation.  After this he continues with a challenge to their motives and methods,  "Each one should be careful how he builds.  For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."  (3:10)

One of the motivational sayings that has grown popular in sporting venues, and especially football is, "We must protect this house."  This statement is usually made by a home team coach or player in preparation for or in the thralls of competition at their home field.  Billions of dollars are invested each year in security systems for businesses, homes and other properties.  Companies and families are willing to go to great lengths to provide security for their people and protect their property.  As a deterrent to would be criminals and as a promotional, the security companies place their company logo stickers on windows and logo signs on the properties they secure.  One of my former church members, a tough little single lady, once told me, "I don't need a security system.  I have a sign on the doors that state, 'This home is protected by Smith and Wesson' and believe me it works."  I don't doubt for a minute that she was packing a six shooter, and that she was willing to use it if necessary.

How about the church?  Do we send the message that we are going to protect this house?  I am speaking spiritually now.  Do we communicate that this building (the people mostly) are protected by the Spirit of God and that we are not going to stand by idle while petty issues and spiritual warfare seek to cause harm?  I pray that none of us will allow our own pride, personal agendas or personality conflicts to steel the joy of  good fellowship.  I pray that we will stand up for purity and profess Christ in our lives.  I pray that God places a hedge of protection around this House.  Will you join with me in prayer for the church to be the temple of God?  Will you join with me in praying that I and that you will be the living sanctuary of God?  Is your temple one that honors God?  We are the temple of the Lord and
WE MUST PROTECT THIS HOUSE!!!