Buildings Galore.......

I was just observing, hearing and thinking and one thing caught my attention; the number of churches building bigger church buildings are increasing. Most of them are spending phenomenal amounts of cash to make the building bigger, more facilities and grander. They say the number of people increasing. How often is the church full? Only on Sundays its at its maximum capacity. What about the other days? Other activities don't use the building until it's bursting at the seams. Futhermore, its full to maximum for only about 2 hours on Sunday. Can't more services be held instead...?
As I continue to ponder this, a portion of Scripture came to my mind. Its from Acts 6:1-7. Its about the election of the seven deacons.

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word."

This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

So the word of God spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem increased rapidly, and a large number of priests became obedient to the faith.

From here alone we can note that the disciples were 'increasing in number'. There is a previous verse before this that says that their number was being added daily! How bout that? Try that for number! Do we often see new people coming to church? I presume not very often. Futhermore, we read that inspite of this, the apostles paid more attention to the needs of the people. We read that they appointed seven people to help take over the responsibility to distribute money and food. They didn't say, "Our numbers are growing. Lets choose men to lead a collection drive to collect money for a new building" They instead paid attention to the needs of the people. They used the money they have to help anyone who is in need.

I think that it is time for the church to set their priorities right. Which is more important? Church building or direct needs of people? I am not against getting a bigger place to gather. God in his grace and mercy has indeed granted us relative peace in Malaysia. But a simple renovation won't run into the millions. The building doesn't have to be state-of-the-art. God is more interested in our hearts, our lives, our all. He is not interested who has the biggest church building. Lets all get things back to focus.


Solis Deo Gloria!

Ian

PS: Feel free to post comments yah. I would like to hear your views as well. :P