God is not looking for a temple of stone for His dwelling place. He is looking for hearts that are not concerned with the externalities of religion. He wants those who take His Word seriously. Jesus said, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we
will come to him and make our home with
him” (John 14:23).


But what happens when we do not obey His teaching? Does God not love us then? Isn’t it every day (every hour!) that we disobey? When our world constantly presents us with what is spectacular or sensational, those things begin to look more attractive than obedience.


Do not despair, for the One that this world did not esteem at all – the One with no physical beauty to attract us to Him – came to be punished for our failures and to be crushed for our sins. Before that day came at Calvary, He lived His perfect life for us. Our shortcomings are replaced with Jesus’ faultless obedience. With gratitude, we strive to obey, and because our Savior has stood in our place, we have hope!