1 Peter 2:5 – “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.”
Ephesians 2:20-22 “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.”
Genesis 11:3 “Then they said to one another, ‘Come, let us make bricks and bake them thoroughly.’ They had brick for stone, and they had asphalt for mortar.”
There are two temples being built. One made of living stones carved by the hand of God, and another made of bricks by the hand of men. Babylon is built with bricks, while God’s temple is being built with living stones. There are many lessons in this, but the contrast of material speaks volumes in our spiritual walks.
In God’s holy temple there are living stones which are each uniquely designed with a special purpose. Each stone is completely different. Man had no involvement in the creation of these stones, and each one is being knitted together right where they need to be by God. They are being founded on the chief corner stone, Jesus Christ Himself. This is true unity when differences are embraced. The unity comes from knowing each piece is carved by the hand of God and a vital part of the temple God is creating. Without one of these lively stones, no matter how big or small, the temple is not complete.
Men’s ideas often bring conformity. Every member must look the same like a brick. Men are the ones who sweat and create the brick, often in the same size using a mold. This is Babylon and can be seen all around us in the world and even the church. Babylon seemed to have unity, but it was false. It was built with intentions to make a name for themselves. It came from the heart and mind of men which only leads to confusion.
Just think for a second of the most beautiful garden you have ever seen in the natural. Was this garden filled with thousands of the same flowers? Absolutely not! This garden had flowers of every shape, color and size. A master piece that creates wonder in anyone who would look at it. Each flower uniquely created to give God glory in their own special way.
There is a great difference between unity and conformity. True unity allows room for differences. In fact it embraces differences, as long as it can be established the differences come from the hand of God. The unity of Spirit is always there, but it’s us who leave it. The unity of Spirit can never be created by men, but only entered into as we truly abide in the vine under the headship of Christ. God protects this unity, like He protected the garden of Eden with Cherubim and flaming swords. We only enter through an abiding life with Christ. It is never a doctrine, denomination, apostle, prophet or anything external that can bring us into this marvelous light.
God is building His temple! May we be living stones knitted together in love!
Walk in the Spirit. Those led of Spirit ARE the sons of God.
Death to Self Devotional 