As a child, I dreamed of visiting the far-off wonders I read about in school—the pyramids, the Parthenon, the temples of India, the great cathedrals of Europe. As an adult, I feel most fortunate that my work has taken me to many of these sites. And I've stood in awe, seeing the majestic monuments mankind has erected through the ages for the purpose of worship. Each visit, however, has given me renewed conviction of the truth of Paul's observation to the Athenians: "God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands." Acts 17:24.
In fact, to think of God as localized within any human structure is to misunderstand the infinite and to materialize worship. "God is a Spirit," Christ Jesus said, "and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth." John 4:24. This universal Spirit, or immortal Life, which is the source of all genuine goodness and existence, cannot be confined within the limits of space or time. How important, then, for us not to lose sight of the divine nature when we gather for collective devotion. Places of worship provide opportunities for us to work side by side with others in listening to God's Word, but the goal must always be to worship Spirit, not material buildings.
Isn't the essence of true worship to express and demonstrate more of the divine presence in our daily living? Jesus made it clear that the true substance of Christian worship is action—not mere profession or affiliation; certainly not bricks and mortar of a cathedral or temple but loving, active service to others in grateful obedience to God. When faced with his ultimate challenge—the crucifixion—Jesus did not hesitate to wash his disciples' feet. And after the resurrection, when he had every human right to sit back and let others do what needed to be done, he prepared a morning meal and served it to his disciples, who had wavered in their faith.
