Temple of Love

The lowest social class in India is the Dalit class, known as “untouchables.” Members of the bottom level of the caste are not allowed to enter temples, attend schools where members of higher caste levels attend, or drink from the same wells from which members of higher caste levels drink. Recently, however, a priest carried a Dalit man into a temple in an effort to break the tradition.

The Bible uses the metaphor of the temple to describe the church of God. Unlike the customs in some cultures, however, the Bible speaks of all people being welcomed into the church. At the same time, the use of the temple metaphor suggests that being a member of God’s church leads to a closer walk with God and calls for a particular level of reverence toward church membership.

To better understand this analogy, it is helpful to consider that it is people who make up the temple of God on earth regardless of the buildings in which they worship: “You also, as living stones, are being

built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 2:5).

Church membership should reflect people who reflect the character of Christ. Though we are always growing in Jesus, there should be a commitment to follow the teachings of Scripture and strive for holiness through the power of the Spirit.

A similar metaphor shows that the character of each member of a church is what creates the temple of God, regardless of the appearance of the building: “If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward” (1 Corinthians 3:14). This can mean that while we minister to all people, we should be selective when choosing a marriage or business partner (2 Corinthians 6:14, 16). This is just one of the many ways that we can make God’s temple attractive to others.

Apply It:

Plan a social gathering with someone you consider spiritual.

Dig Deeper:

Ephesians 2:20; 1 Corinthians 3:9–15; 1 Peter 2:4, 6

Key Bible Texts

Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? (1 Corinthians 3:16 KJV)