Don't you realize that all of you together are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God lives in you? God will bring ruin upon anyone who ruins this temple. For God's temple is holy, and you Christians are that temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17).

Wow! Those are tough words. "God will bring ruin upon anyone ..."

Let's become builders!

In this case, he's not talking about you personally being God's temple, but about you plural — you Christians, God's people, His church, being the temple — and he is warning about the thoughtless and harmful destruction of a community of people by selfishness, gossip, fussing, and just insisting on your own way.

God's people are sacred! When somebody comes in to criticize and complain and stir up controversies, it's serious business. It's a big time sin. The church — each of us — is warned to be careful about those people who tear down. Even though it does seem to come more naturally to criticize and tear down, don't do it!

Instead, let's become builders — people who cooperate, encourage, and build up. When you care for His church — God's family, God's holy temple — you're going to bless countless others and God is going to richly bless you!

 

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© 2007 Paul Faulkner.

Title: "Become a Builder"
Author: Paul Faulkner
Publication Date: September 07, 2007

The Marriage Builder by Larry Crabb An all-new discussion guide has been added to this marriage-enrichment classic.

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