We tend to "put on our best" when we "go to the house of God." We look sharp, use the right language, and put on our biggest smiles. But we ought to "guard our steps," as the Preacher says, not AS we go to the house of God, but BECAUSE we are the house of God; we are the temple of the living God, built on the Cornerstone of Christ. We should, with both confidence as well as trembling fear, guard our steps as we pursue Christ in this life.
ABOUT THIS SERIES:
If life sometimes seems empty and meaningless, you aren't alone. One Preacher in the bible even agrees. He surveys his life's great accomplishments and successes, and sees that ultimately, it's all in vain. So what is the point of living? He concludes that in the end, when we live our lives not simply "under the sun," but "unto the Son," all that is meaningless in life takes on great meaning, even eternal meaning, and gives us much to live and hope for.
This coming day when Jesus returns, and God's kingdom comes sounds amazing and it will be. It sounds miraculous, and it is. However, God is a Holy God. Our Father is perfect in everything, in every way, always. When he comes near sin, evil, unrighteousness…it is all consumed. And we are not holy! For those who fear Him, though, we do not stand alone. Our advocate, our mediator, our savior opens the palms of his hands to reveal his wounds. The wounds we deserved. And the Judge will declare us innocent. And we respond to this certainty of future grace with righteous living, renewed eyes for the lost, endurance to live in the here and now, and hope for the coming day of the Lord
