Not Just Rocks

1 Pet. 2:5  And now you are living stones that are being used to build up a spiritual house.  (CEV)

As a building material, stone is substantial.  It is strong, durable and lasts a long time.  But it certainly isn't living.  We can build a very impressive building out of stone but unless it is used, inhabited, and serves some purpose, it is nothing more than just a lifeless pile of rocks.

The temple of the Jewish people was an impressive building, a house where God dwelt.  But Peter explained that God was now building a different kind of house.  A living, spiritual house made out of living stones.  Not an earthly building, but a heavenly kingdom.  Not a lifeless pile of rocks but an active, vibrant family.  Each member, each living stone contributing to build up the whole.

You and I are living stones that are used by God.  WE are God's building (1 Cor. 3:9).  His life-giving (Rom. 8:10, 2 Cor. 3:6) Holy Spirit inhabits us (1 Cor. 3:16, 6:19).  We each serve a specific purpose (Rom. 12:4-5) and we all build up the whole that is His spiritual house.  We are active, vibrant participants in the kingdom of God.  Living stones, not just rocks.


Sock Monkey Snippet:  We are living stones in God's spiritual house.