The Destruction of a Temple

A congregation was looking for a place to hold their services. A wealthy benefactor decided to help out and presented them with a brand new building, free and clear.

The congregation moved in and things went well for several years. Then things began to change. As the congregation grew, the building aged. A well meaning trustee was able to purchase a bulk quantity of light bulbs at a great price. Unfortunately they were those wonderful yellow outdoor patio bulbs, and as more and more of the original bulbs burned out and were replaced with the "patio" bulbs, which were readily available and easy to grab a hold of in a hurry, the sanctuary began to take on a dim and dingy appearance.

At some point in time, the decision was made that the beautiful stained glass windows filtered too much of the "natural" light and so the stained glass was removed to let in as much "light" as possible. No one stopped to consider that the stained glass windows were not just ornamental, but actually filtered harmful UV rays and the new and improved natural lighting began to age and deteriorate the once brilliant carpet and natural woodwork.

Now, as previously mentioned, the congregation had been growing, and additional seating was needed in the sanctuary. On a whim, someone brought in a used couch one Sunday morning to provide additional seating. Some thought this a great idea. Wow! They thought. The new seating added a fun atmosphere,was really progressive, and so more and more people brought in their discarded furnishings. Pretty soon, the sanctuary became cramped and looked like a frat house or perhaps a furniture graveyard.

Sometime, no one is absolutely sure because it passed gradually and unnoticed, fewer and fewer people attended services. At first the decline was written off as the natural life cycle of an aging congregation. When that explanation was no longer satisfactory, a few improvements were attempted.

Some of the lights were replaced, but when no immediate results were realized, it was decided that the investment was too great and the return not sufficient. Some of the old couches were tossed, but were quickly replaced with other accumulated items within months. As for the windows, there was a half hearted effort to do something about them, but the thought of losing all the "natural lighting" wasn't entirely appealing, and besides, it added some brightness to the dull glow produced by the "patio" bulbs.

Eventually, the church's doors shut for the last time. Its once wonderful sanctuary chocked full of "junk", its enlightening windows pouring natural light into a barren room and deteriorating its once glorious and ornate interior, and its once brilliant lighting, now almost entirely replaced by the "patio glow", was dark and dismal.

It is said that shortly afterward, the wealthy benefactor returned, looked upon the once proud building, now in full decay and death, and simply wept at what was lost.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (New International Version)
19Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; 20you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body.