It would undoubtedly be foolish for one to say that his house is not of much importance, since there is not a person born on this earth without being part of a house. Every person that works for a living does so for himself and for his house. People by nature even get back with their families toward the close of the day giving priority to the place that gives them rest. At certain times they take pride in amplifying their families. It is great to speak of such things concerning human environment, especially when we ourselves are actually exhibiting such maturity. People love to see a house that nurtures itself, has a common attachment and provides all the necessary things.
We human beings, having such high consciousness concerning our mortal selves, get together, begin a family, extend our family by bearing children and sustain it. Conversely, when we do not nurture the house in which our almighty God dwells to provide us with all the earthly and heavenly blessings, does it not show our arrogance and insincerity toward Him? Certainly, it is He who even provided a house for us to begin with, isn’t it? “For the sons of Israel and the sons of Levi shall bring the contribution of the grain, the new wine and the oil to the chambers; there are the utensils of the sanctuary, the priests who are ministering, the gatekeepers and the singers. Thus we will not neglect the house of our God” (Neh.10:39).
It was the determination of the children of God in those days to uphold the house of the Almighty God. They realized what they have lost and have begun to find it. They also understood that without the house of God amongst them their lives were meaningless. They brought all they had and also collected from others in order to furnish what was lacking for the house of their God. Their realization regarding the absence of sweetness in the love of God was the reason for such determination. O what amazing things did the love of God compel them to do! Their desire for God had pushed them so far that they decided not to neglect the house of their God from that very moment.
Men of God in those days have done so in order to please God and to attain His favor. For this reason, David said “I will sing a new song to You, O God; upon a harp of ten strings I will sing praises to You” (Ps.144:9). Children of God realized that the presence of God in their midst is of utmost importance. People like David served and revered God according to what was given to them; their thirst was quenched by the love of God upon them. What do we desire as of utmost importance in our lives? Do we desire to uphold the precious house of God?
It seems from the present circumstances that many of us are passionate toward the perishable things of this world. Many Christians are behaving like the Pharisees desiring higher places rather than humbling themselves. Because of this many are being thrown into jealousy, envy and strife. What man is higher on this earth before the Almighty Lord? Furthermore, some are determined not to uphold the house of God, but the wealth that belongs to the house of God. Dear brethren, we are to long for God as David and as the many faithful Israel. Is not the God of Abraham also the God of Israel, David and even of us? Do not be misinformed concerning the God of heaven, but rather be humble in trying to understand what He has set before us. For He says, “But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create; For behold, I create Jerusalem for rejoicing And her people for gladness” (Isa.65:18).
God has created a new Jerusalem and it is what we are; God desires to dwell in His house and it is the new Jerusalem. Since God is holy, He requires His people to be holy. Therefore, beware for God is not looking to dwell among the unwise, the arrogant or the wicked, but “… in whom was no defect, who were good-looking, showing intelligence in every branch of wisdom, endowed with understanding and discerning knowledge, and who had ability for serving in the king’s court…” (Dan.1:4). God looks for such men and women to be His New Jerusalem. Who among us are wise to be His kingdom? Who is wise except the one who is begotten by the Almighty? And the wise of God will truly rejoice and be glad, because they are the house of God. For such people rejoice in suffering and are content in all circumstances.
Dear friends, when God created the new Jerusalem He gave us a better understanding of Him. He has given us an easier way to approach Him and to become His house. He gave us the wisdom to uphold ourselves for His namesake. He is ready to let His presence abide in us so that we might live to Him. In this is the greatest truth that even if we die, through our godliness we shall live, because “… He is not the God of the dead but of the living; for all live to Him” (Luke 20:38). If we believe to be the house of God, we ought to crave to live to Him and to be a part of the living.
If God has begun our lives then He is able to carry us under His mighty hand until the last day. God begins the life of those who seek Him in faith, with repentance, in righteousness and with power. These allow us to test ourselves to see if we are truly the children of God. These are the qualities that define a Christian; they act on our conscience and lead us to doing good. “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil.1:6).
It is not for us assume that we are the righteous. Sometimes the sin in us will tempt us into becoming arrogant concerning our righteousness. However, note that God is able to know even those things that our heart does not condemn. “…for God is greater than our heart and knows all things” (1 John 3:20). A person with this knowledge will humble himself before God in order that his or her heart would not deceive them. It is the weakness of the flesh that when we depend on our own self even our heart does not condemn us. For if we offer ourselves to the Lord He will perfect our hearts to the day of His coming. If we are perfected by Him, we will not neglect the house of God; for it is what we are.