St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City can hold 60,000 worshipers. The church is said to be built over St Peter’s tomb who was martyred by Nero in 64 A.D. Buildings to honor heroes are not new. King David wanted to build a temple to honor God for all God had done for him and his people. He wanted this temple to be beautiful, well-built, and to last far into the future. God denied his request, telling him his son would build it. God helped David realize that lasting legacies don’t come from buildings. They come from people whose lives we have touched. When we pour ourselves into others they pour our values into still others and that process continues. We read in 1 Chronicles chapter 22 that David, aware of God’s promise to give him a legacy of kings, gathered building materials to assist his son in erecting the physical Temple in Jerusalem. We now know the Temple symbolized God’s plan to dwell among us. Today, Christ transforms His followers into spiritual Temples. By dwelling in us, we can enjoy personal satisfaction even as we help fulfill God’s purpose in the wider world.
Dr. Melvin E. Banks, Sr. is the founder and chairman of UMI (Urban Ministries, Inc.). Under his direction, UMI has grown to be a leading publisher of Christian education resources for churches in the African American community. Read More
