Solomon's Temple

God directed Solomon’s building of the temple. It took forty-six years to build the breathtaking edifice (John 2:20). It was filled with warm smelling cedar, polished gold and silver. The tapestries were made of crimson reds, royal blues and golds. The artwork in the filigree was intricate. Every part was created to inspire worship of the Most Holy God (1 and 2nd Kings, Exodus 25).

Yet when the Disciples pointed out to Jesus the beauty of the temple, he responded, “Do you not see all these things? Assuredly, I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Mt 24:2).

Sometimes even things that God originally directed to be done, he causes to come to an end.

Pointing Fingers

God sent many prophets, wise men and scribes to teach men about him. But, those whose hearts were more interested in being powerful than in service, persecuted and killed God’s messengers. Jesus said those who persecute one of his messengers are guilty of the blood of ALL his messengers (Mt 23:13-36).

Keeping this in mind, Paul’s warning becomes especially poignant. “Do not entertain an accusation against an elder unless it is brought by two or three witnesses” (1 Tim 5:19).

Tied Up in Religious Knots

Because the Pharisees’ goal was to be seen by men their behavior became increasingly strange. They made up bizarre rules like how to swear, which swear was binding, which meant nothing. They complicated the meaning of righteousness to such an extent that new converts became just as much in bondage as they were. They looked religious and holy on the outside, but their insides were a mass of binding rules and regulations (Mt 23:13-22).

Remember, "We are saved through faith" (Romans 5:1) and "If when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of his Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by his life" (Romans 5:10).

Let's take a couple of deep breathes and relax.

Servant Mentality

Being a servant takes the pressure off. We do what our master tells us to do. We are not held responsible for the outcome because we are simply doing what we are told.

There is no need for competition since we all serve one another. We do what is best for the person whom we serve. We esteem everyone equal or greater than us therefore we have no need to be jealous or envious of another’s task.

I am not striving to be the president of the United States, so why would I feel covetous of his position. So if I am doing the task my master has assigned to me, I have no need to be envious of another servant’s task (Mathew 23:11-12).