DEFILING THE TEMPLE

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	         DEFILING THE TEMPLE

    Paul, in writing to the strife-plagued Church at Corinth, penned these
words: "If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the
temple of God is holy, which [temple] ye are." 1 Cor. 3:17  He was speaking
of the corporate body of believers being the Temple of God.

    A few chapters later, he likens the individual believer to the Temple  of
God (6:19).  It is TWO-FOLD IN ASPECT. 

    A closer look at the corporate aspect is in order, we believe, for many
of our assemblies, and, at times our Fellowship, bear the marks of having
been defiled by some individuals or groups who are more interested in their
particular views and ideas than they are in the well-being of the group as a
whole. 

    Churches have been lacerated by phraseology in Doctrines, modes of
worship, and a host of other things which are not conducive to sweet
fellowship among brethren.  We are cautioned in Heb 12:15 to beware of
anything which will promote growth of a root of bitterness (sharpness) among
believers. 

    We who have been Pastors know how easily we can slip into an attitude of
ownership of the flock.  Jesus said, "I will build My Church.  Pastors must
guard against being sharp with the Saints whom God has placed under their
care, for if they misuse the Saints they can be guilty of defiling the
Temple. We are called to be ensamples, not over-lords.  Paul said that he had
been as gentle as a nurse.

    Conversely, one self-asserting member in a congregation can cause more
dis-harmony than several Spirit-natured people who are peace-loving can bury,
and THEREBY CAUSE THE WHOLE GROUP TO SUFFER THE LOSS OF THE SWEETNESS WHICH
RESULTS FROM A UNITED FRONT. 

    Being strong-willed, vociferous, and an agitator is at least one aspect
of being a "worker of iniquity", who will be disqualified for the reward of
faithfulness.  Not only will HE suffer, but MANY OTHERS ARE DEFILED ALSO.
 God hates all forms of iniquity, and will eliminate those who "work" it from
"His Peculiar People". 

    It would not be smart to cause dis-harmony over who gets to have their
way.  The teachings of Jesus do not condone it.  Neither is it always smart
cause the rupture of a group in order for your version of the doctrine to be
proclaimed.  Any good that would be accomplished would be greatly
over-powered by the harm that was done. 

    It is a sad reality that many Christians have not really been serious
about the personal refinement that is made available to them by the infilling
of the Holy Ghost.  It is enough that they are saved, and they know it, and
they are so happy having the "joy of the Lord" ,that it has been easy to
overlook the demands of that Holy Ghost in their lives.  If The Holy Ghost is
given for the purpose of LEADING, then someone must do some following.  He
wants to lead us in paths of RIGHTEOUSNESS AND PEACE as well as the path of
Joy.  We have been called unto Peace.  We are told to be meek, and to have
patience with  one another. 

    James 3:6 tells us that the tongue of man is capable of starting
unmanageable "fires".  These "fires" are from hell, and are designed
specificly to destroy what is being attempted for God.  An unbridled tongue
is a deadly menace to the work of God.  Remember this when you are inclined
to repeat something you have learned about a brother or a sister in the Lord,
even if you KNOW it to be true. 

    The Word promises us that offences will come.  We can expect that we are
going to be hurt at some time or another.  We determine, by our response,
what the end of the  matter will be.  More is dependent upon us,
individually, than anyone else.

      "WHY DO YE NOT RATHER SUFFER YOURSELVES TO BE DEFRAUDED?"