This temple will become a heap of rubble. All who pass by will be appalled and will scoff and say, “Why has the Lord done such a thing to this land and to this temple?” People will answer, “Because they have forsaken the Lord their God, who brought their ancestors out of Egypt, and have embraced other gods, worshiping and serving them—that is why the Lord brought all this disaster on them.” 1 Kings 9:8-9
Immediately following the completion of the temple, God gives his people this warning. God won’t have to announce from heaven his reasons for abandoning the temple, the land or his people, and it isn’t just the Israelites themselves who will know why disaster has come upon them but, “all peoples” (verse 7).
This reminds us that as Christians we’re being watched. Often those outside of faith are acutely aware of our Christian stance and they’re watching to see if we’re living out what we say we believe. Do we act like we trust God or are we easily angered when things don’t go our way? Are we seeking fame and fortune as the goal of our life or are we seeking to live a godly life? Are we peaceful and secure even during stressful times or do we worry and fret like others without faith?
Not that we have to be perfect or pretend, but rather is there evidence in our life that having faith makes a positive difference? Would anyone notice the fruit of our lives as being love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Knowing we’re being watched, provides us with the motivation to press on with our spiritual lives, to grow in our faith and take spiritual disciplines seriously.
