Are You Building God’s House His Way or Man’s Way?

Are we building God’s house His way or man’s way? This article explores how to align church-building efforts with biblical principles instead of human-centered traditions and extravagance.

13 minutes read time

Introduction

Scripture repeatedly emphasizes God’s deep love for His dwelling place, His “house.”

David, for example, expressed only one longing—to dwell in the house of the Lord forever. David’s longing wasn’t just about residing in a physical structure; but also about a deeper communion with God.

This yearning serves as a guiding principle for us today: to build God’s house in a way that invites His presence and aligns with His will. When we adhere to His instructions, the temple is filled with glory.

Despite popular perspectives, God is deeply invested in the details. The beauty of His creation is not accidental, and His body—the living temple—is crafted in a manner we can barely comprehend.

However, much of this beauty remains hidden because we pursue human ideas instead of God’s divine instructions.

Imagine hiring a contractor to build your home. You provide the blueprints, the floorplan, and everything needed to construct your dream residence, but the contractor decides to do something entirely different. Would you be satisfied with the result?

Perhaps God feels similarly when we disregard His instructions for building His house. Consider what He says to Israel:

[Isaiah 1:11-15, CSB] – “What are all your sacrifices to me?” asks the LORD. “I have had enough of burnt offerings and rams and the fat of well-fed cattle; I have no desire for the blood of bulls, lambs, or male goats. When you come to appear before me, who requires this from you—this trampling of my courts? Stop bringing useless offerings. Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons and Sabbaths, and the calling of solemn assemblies—I cannot stand iniquity with a festival. I hate your New Moons and prescribed festivals. They have become a burden to me; I am tired of putting up with them. When you spread out your hands in prayer, I will refuse to look at you; even if you offer countless prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.”

Note how God explicitly says that He has had enough of these offerings and detests their festivals. These rituals have become a burden to Him, and He refuses to acknowledge their prayers.

Similarly, today, we fill our churches with countless programs, superficial offerings, and activities designed to appear relevant, yet fail to honor God’s true desires.

What if God says the same about our churches today? Would we be willing to change?

💡 Moses received precise instructions for building the tabernacle. Solomon received specific guidance for constructing the temple. And when they adhered to these divine plans, God’s glory filled these places of worship.

What Does it Mean to Build God’s House Today?

Now that the physical temple is destroyed until Christ’s return, we, as believers, have become the temple of God. The destruction of the physical temple was a significant moment in Israel’s history, signifying a transformation from a physical to a spiritual dwelling. Today, the church collectively forms this temple, composed not of bricks, but of “living stones,” each uniquely crafted for God’s purpose.

Building God’s house today means building up His body so that we become one unified man in Christ.

[Ephesians 2:19-22, CSB] – “So then, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with the saints, and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole building, being put together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you are also being built together for God’s dwelling in the Spirit.

His People Are in Ruins

In modern culture, we have shifted our focus to constructing physical buildings instead of nurturing God’s people. Consequently, our priorities have drifted away from spiritual growth and authentic community, gravitating instead toward superficial measures of success.

Currently, the emphasis is on:

  • Expanding programs
  • Building better facilities
  • Creating more engaging meetings
  • Hiring high-profile speakers
  • Filling pastoral roles with mere job descriptions
  • Increasing social media presence and digital engagement
  • Developing a brand rather than fostering true discipleship
  • Measuring success by attendance and financial offerings, rather than spiritual growth

This passage from Haggai speaks poignantly to our church culture today:

[Haggai 1:9, CSB] – “You expected much, but then it amounted to little. When you brought the harvest to your house, I ruined it. Why?” This is the declaration of the LORD of Armies. “Because my house still lies in ruins, while each of you is busy with his own house.”

What the Emphasis Should Be On

  • Developing genuine discipleship relationships
  • Prioritizing spiritual growth and maturity over numerical growth
  • Cultivating deep, Christ-centered community
  • Teaching sound doctrine and delivering the full counsel of Scripture
  • Emphasizing prayer and fasting
  • Encouraging servant leadership and humility
  • Practicing sacrificial love and meeting the needs of others
  • Committing to the Great Commission, making disciples of all nations
  • Fostering multiplication of churches and disciples

In reality, our emphasis often centers on looking impressive and fruitful, yet we are not truly bearing fruit.

The church in the West is currently declining as young people increasingly seek something real. They are not rejecting God; rather, they are searching for an authentic representation of faith.

Examples of Man’s Way in Modern Churches

Centered Around One Man

In many modern churches, services revolve around a single pastor or teacher leading the congregation. Yet, Scripture encourages a collective approach where everyone contributes. While there is certainly a place for in-depth teaching, the pattern for weekly gatherings should involve the collective participation of the saints.

The saints should engage together in the Word of God. One brings a prophecy, another a word, ensuring that all are involved and contributing.

Programs

“If you don’t build a program for it, they won’t come.” This sentiment has pervaded Western church culture. Children’s ministry, Bible study, and evangelism have all been institutionalized into programs to attract attendees.

Yet the early church did not have elaborate programs. They were a living, breathing expression of Christ on earth—just as Jesus did the will of the Father, they did likewise.

Do we really need all these programs?

Complexity

Church today has become highly complex, requiring substantial bills, resources, and equipment. In some cases, it seems there isn’t even a church without a worship band, choir, or flashy lights. Where is the simplicity in Christ?

We need to return to the basics—gathering as saints, having fellowship, praying, celebrating communion, and worshiping God. The more complex we become, the more human ideas infiltrate and obscure the simple beauty of meeting in Christ.

Obedience to God’s Word

If we are to build God’s house His way, we need a thirst for righteousness and truth. Are we willing to admit when we are wrong, and turn around? I admire the example of our brother Francis Chan, who left modern church culture to pursue something more authentic. We need more men willing to leave behind their mega-church platforms to seek God’s true design.

Large churches aren’t inherently wrong, but they are not necessarily the expression of the body of Christ that Scripture calls us to embody. Jesus taught the multitudes, but the real gathering was among the twelve.

If we rely on God’s Spirit rather than our creative ideas, the result may not always be glamorous, but it will be fruitful, and most importantly, pleasing to our Father.

In 1 Samuel 15, God commanded King Saul to completely destroy the Amalekites and all their possessions as an act of divine judgment. Saul was instructed to leave nothing alive, including livestock (1 Samuel 15:2-3). However, Saul disobeyed, sparing King Agag and keeping the best livestock, rationalizing that they could be offered as sacrifices to God.

When confronted by Samuel, Saul justified his actions by claiming they were for God. Samuel replied with a powerful reminder that obedience is better than sacrifice:

“Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22).

Because of his disobedience, Saul was rejected as king. Saul’s seemingly good actions were still disobedient. Likewise, we may do many “good things” yet completely miss what God has truly called us to do.

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Practical Steps to Build God’s House His Way

God does not demand perfection; He desires obedience. As we take steps to build God’s house, we must not fear making mistakes. Mistakes can be corrected, but a proud heart unwilling to change is dangerous.

Here’s how to start building God’s house His way:

1. Prayer

We need to be a praying people if we want to build something that pleases God. While Scripture provides primary instruction, prayer is what leads us into those places and provides correction. Without an active relationship with God, we risk building something impressive that lacks God’s involvement. Ultimately, this is His house, and He wants to be involved in every detail.

2. God’s Word

We need to know God’s Word. Are your actions grounded in Scripture? Is the model of your discipleship rooted in the teachings of the Bible? It is crucial that we base all of our work on His Word, not on our ideas.

Questions to Ask Yourself to Ensure You Are Building on God’s Word

  • Are my actions and decisions rooted in Scripture, or are they influenced by popular culture and human ideas?
  • Am I prioritizing spiritual growth, discipleship, and genuine community, or am I more concerned with outward appearances and success metrics?
  • Do I seek God’s guidance through prayer for each decision, or do I rely solely on my own plans and wisdom?
  • Am I fostering unity and love within the church, or am I focused on competition and status?
  • Am I open to correction and willing to change course if God shows me a different path?
  • Is the focus on building people up as living stones in the body of Christ, or is it more on creating impressive programs and structures?
  • Are our gatherings led by the Holy Spirit with space for different members to contribute, or are they overly structured with one person dominating?

3. Fasting

Fasting is an important aspect of seeking God’s guidance and showing our dependence on Him. By abstaining from food or other comforts, we can focus more deeply on God and hear His voice more clearly. Fasting helps align our hearts with God’s purposes and provides clarity in decision-making.

4. Community

Building God’s house is not a solo endeavor; it requires the participation of the entire body of Christ. We all have different gifts and talents thus must labor together to build His house. Emphasize the importance of being in genuine community with fellow believers, supporting, encouraging, and holding each other accountable. God often speaks through His people, and being in community allows us to gain collective wisdom and guidance. 

We have the mind of Christ!

5. Humility

Humility is foundational in building God’s house. We need to be open to correction and willing to submit our plans to God’s will. Pride can hinder the work of God, but a humble heart invites His presence and His blessing. As we build, we must constantly evaluate our motivations to ensure they align with God’s desires rather than our own ambition.

Relevant Scripture References

  1. Isaiah 1:11-15 – God rejects superficial offerings and emphasizes the importance of true devotion and purity of heart.
  2. Ephesians 2:19-22 – Believers are built together as a spiritual temple, with Christ as the cornerstone.
  3. Haggai 1:9 – God’s house remains in ruins while the people focus on their own priorities, demonstrating the need to prioritize God’s kingdom.
  4. 1 Samuel 15:2-3, 22 – God values obedience over sacrifice, as illustrated by Saul’s failure to follow God’s explicit commands.
  5. 1 Corinthians 3:9-17 – Paul explains that believers are “God’s building” and emphasizes the importance of building on the foundation of Jesus Christ.
  6. Matthew 7:24-27 – The parable of the wise and foolish builders emphasizes building on a solid foundation (Christ’s teachings) instead of shifting sands.
  7. Acts 2:42-47 – Describes the practices of the early church as a model for building God’s house His way, with devotion to teaching, fellowship, and prayer.
  8. 1 Peter 2:4-5 – Believers are described as “living stones” being built into a spiritual house, emphasizing the communal nature of God’s dwelling.
  9. 1 Chronicles 28:11-19 – David’s detailed instructions for Solomon on how to build the temple, stressing the importance of obedience to God’s blueprint.

Conclusion

Building God’s house His way requires a deep commitment to obedience, humility, and reliance on His Spirit. Reflect on how your methods and goals align with God’s Word. Seek God’s direction wholeheartedly, be open to correction, and be prepared to build according to His perfect blueprint. In doing so, we create a house where God is honored, and His glory dwells. Let us lay aside our preferences and follow His instructions, knowing that His ways are always higher and better.

FAQs

  1. What does it mean to build God’s house His way?
    It means building according to God’s Word, prioritizing spiritual growth, discipleship, and community, rather than following human-centered ideas or trends.
  2. How do I know if I am building God’s way or man’s way?
    Examine your motivations and methods—are they rooted in Scripture, obedience, and humility, or are they focused on popularity, aesthetics, and human accolades?
  3. Can modern innovations still be part of God’s way?
    Yes, as long as innovations support the true mission of the church and do not distract from preaching the Gospel or fostering genuine discipleship.
  4. What role does humility play in building God’s house His way
    Humility is essential because it allows us to submit to God’s plan instead of our own. It keeps us open to correction and prevents pride from influencing how we build or lead the church.
  5. Is it wrong to have large programs or initiatives in the church?
    Programs aren’t inherently wrong, but they should serve the purpose of discipleship and community, rather than becoming the main focus.
  6. How can I encourage others in my church to focus on building God’s way?
    Lead by example—focus on prayer, studying Scripture, and fostering genuine relationships. Encourage open discussions, and be willing to raise challenging questions about priorities in the church.

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Patrick Benske

Patrick is a teacher, pastor and has a passion for seeing the church expressed in it's full glory shining their light in their area of influence. He is one of the main contributors to The Great Harvest and wants to prepare people for the Lord's return.
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