As I stepped into the nearly 100 year old cathedral the air was heavy with sanctity. The stain glass windows cast their rainbow shadows down upon row after row of solid wooden pews. The walls, the ceiling, even the floor with its intricate workmanship all whispered to me of a master craftsman who had dedicated this building to God. I was in God’s house.
Yet the closer I came to the front the stronger this queer feeling in the pit of my stomach grew. Something, amidst all the beauty, wasn’t right. Finally as I reached the front of the cathedral I realized what was wrong. Today, in this house built for God and dedicated to Jesus Christ, there was a Hindu ceremony about to take place. As the apostles and saints watched from their stain glass perches idols were being set about the front of this house of worship. Incense now burned in places where before Holy Communion was offered. The scene was stark and the reason…cultural diversity on a university campus.
As my mind connected the dots my first thought was outrage! What would those who sacrificed to see this building erected think? My second thought was pity. How sad that this edifice of glory had been reduced to a house for idols. My third thought was frightening.
My third thought, really wasn’t my thought at all, but God’s still small voice opening my eyes to a truth so profoundly displayed before me. My third thought was that this scene was a picture of the condition of my heart.
How many times have I found myself drawn after something other, something far removed from God. How many times have I chased that something with the full intent of installing it on the altar of my heart with not a second thought of what it really meant to do so.
This scene is a stark reality for so many of us. God has crafted us as temples reflecting His glory. We were designed with this purpose in mind. Yet, I think we would all confess that at times there were idols on the altar of our heart, an altar that should have been reserved for God alone.
May this be a moment for us all to consider what is on the altar of our heart. If confession is needed, then allow the forgiveness of God to clean house. If, upon reflection, you still have a heart dedicated to God than, in humility, praise him for the strength to continue on in dedication to him.
While the scene inside the century old sanctuary was indeed sad, never forget that sadder still is a human sanctuary dedicated to God in name, but with a completely different image on the altar.
Community Questions:
Why is it so easy to condemn a scene like this in the world and completely overlook the condition of our own hearts?
Is it right or wrong for a university to offer such diversity? Why or Why Not?
