Our Father’s House is not a Store‏

John 2:13-17 – And the Jews’ passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers’ money, and overthrew the tables; And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father’s house an house of merchandise. And his disciples remembered that it was written, The zeal of thine house hath eaten me up.

Jesus drove out the money-changers and those in the temple selling oxen, sheep, and doves. Even though much of their merchandise for the purchase of providing offerings for the temple unto God, it dishonored the purchase the temple was meant to accomplish as a house of prayer.

Many churches today have coffee shops, book stores, and other stores within their building. Though there may be good intentions for providing convenience services, ministry products to the congregation, or establishing other revenue streams, these intentions cannot be placed above our Father’s honor and glory.

1. You cannot serve both money and God (Matthew 6:24). Churches and ministries focused on generating money (as a business) can find themselves servants to money rather than God. Jesus says you cannot serve both. Think about this. Many people try to make room for both, but money and God require 100% of your intention. You can’t split your time and efforts between them. If you give more attention to make money (i.e. for ministry and salary expenses), ministry becomes the means of making money. However, if you give more attention to God, your perspective on money will be a lot different. Your trust will be on God to provide your needs (remember Jehovah-jireh, my provider) rather than trusting in your own means to generate income.

2. Build a sound ministry structure. Some churches are filled with products and services for sale. Visitors sale their books, videos, and other wares as they travel to other churches. However, when starting out in ministry, it’s important to build a structure that keeps you focused on God and not on social status, making money, or building notoriety within the church community.

As you build your structure, ask yourself:

• Is what I’m doing truly giving God all of the glory, where I’m not taking any for myself?
• Is my true purpose making money or making God happy?
• Is more attention being placed on me or God?

3. Remember why you serve. You are not in ministry to serve yourself (Matthew 20:26-28). You are in ministry to serve the purposes of God. Keep the merchandise off church grounds. Don’t allow anything to interfere with God’s house being meant for prayer and instruction of the Word of God (Matthew 21:13; Mark 11:17; Luke 4:16-20, 19:46). Keep your focus on serving God and not money, and regularly inventory yourself and ministry to ensure you’re staying the course.

^{Photo courtesy of freeimages.com/fabiennew.}