Structurally Sound

I've been a Realtor since 1989, and in that time, I've been in and out of hundreds of houses.  I know what features to look for when showing or listing a property, things like roof condition, wiring/plumbing upgrades,  age of the furnace, and generally how structurally sound the building is. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a substitute for a professional inspector. Since I’m not an inspector, I strongly encourage buyers to hire one, so they will be aware of  potential problems.  Over and over, I’ve seen people fall in love with the outward looks of a home, only to be dismayed when the inspector goes over his report. Paint, siding, and HGTV décor may mask flaws, but sooner or later they will reappear in all their ugliness.

Spiritually speaking, don’t we try to hide some of our less attractive qualities, behind a pleasing veneer? Jesus pointed this fact out to the “good-looking” Pharisees when he said; "You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you, for he wrote, These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”  Mark 7:6.  There are plenty of present day Pharisees in our midst.  They appear very religious, but they hide who they really are under a thick layer of self righteousness, tacked on public good deed doing, topped off with a smug “holier than thou” knowledge of the Bible. This outward behavior may fool some, but it won’t get by the keen eye of the “Inspector”. “ The Lord’s light penetrates the human spirit, exposing every hidden motive.” Proverbs 20:27.  We may be able to pull one over on some folks, but not God. His flashlight looks into every nook and cranny bringing to light every structural defect.  “For all that is secret will eventually be brought into the open, and everything that is concealed will be brought to light and made known to all.” Luke 8:17.

It has been said that every man’s home is his castle, but for Christians our body/spiritual home is a temple…Keep it in good repair!  “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? 1 Corinthians 3:16.