“And as he went out of the temple, one of his disciples saith unto him, Master, see what manner of stones and what buildings are here! And Jesus answering said unto him, Seest thou these great buildings? there shall not be left one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down.” (Mark 13:1,2)
Jesus had no interest in the trappings of religion. He was unimpressed by size, splendor, and self-importance. Men draw disciples after themselves by pointing to themselves. They elevate the significance of what God is doing in their circle. Who would think of going elsewhere when great favor and usefulness awaits those who remain attached to them and their form of godliness?
But where the disciples could be mesmerized by appearance, Jesus saw a doomed enterprise. Except the Lord build the house they that labor build in vain. In the end, all the energies, ingenuity, and resources of men amount to nothing when the true work of the Spirit is missing.
Oftentimes, great carnality is found where people proclaim to be the most led by the Spirit. Those who claim to be the least religious can be the most religious. Those who seem to be the most anointed are often the exact opposite. Their forms and formulas make them brittle and uninspired. They can’t think or act outside their own religious box. But for all that, they believe they are in the center of God’s move upon the earth.
God shakes His church with good reason. There are many things He wants to fall apart. The wind that must sweep through the church will not leave one stone unturned. Where men have made themselves, and their unique ministries and messages, the focal point of the flock, Christ is provoked to jealousy. He is the Bridegroom, and He alone will have His bride. And His sheep will hear His voice, and not follow another.