Wouldn't that be grand?

Today: 1 Kings 6-7

I'm amused by the words people use in old movies and TV shows. When was the last time you heard anyone say "groovy" or "swell"? (For me, "The Brady Bunch" comes to mind...)

One old-fashioned word I don't hear often? "Grand." Why is that?!? I can't imagine a college student saying, "Check out my iPhone. Isn't it grand?" Grand is such an awe-inspiring word. I wonder if it's rarely used because it's reserved for describing truly rare, jawdropping and overwhelmingly beautiful people, places and things.

When I read today's passage and descriptions of the temple Solomon built for God, "grand" came to my mind. Cedar! Bronze! And gold? The passage describes SO MUCH gold and glitter that it puts Donald Trump's homes and a TBN set to shame! :) Solomon and the people of Israel spared no expense. God's house wasn't built by the lowest bidder using the most cost-effective materials. It was built to honor and worship God. The sacrifices made to build the Temple visually demonstrated the great devotion of people who wanted t0 serve God.

I know, I know. Some readers may think, "That sounds nice, but I don't actually have gold to give to God." or "My church can't afford to look like that--and it might be kind of cheesy in today's modern times." Maybe. But these objections aren't really tied to the main point of this post. I'm not talking about building a grand Temple--I'm talking about the grandness in hearts that would want to do so.

It's not as if God needs your gold, your sacrificial gifts of time or talent or even your love. But doesn't He deserve them? Wouldn't it be grand to honor Him with those things? Wouldn't it be amazing if people who visited your church or met Christians thought, "Wow! Those people really love God. They're so loving and generous toward each other and toward me. I can't put my finger on how to describe it...but I know I like it." I do: grand.

Tomorrow: 1 Kings 8-9