I was on a road trip a few years back. It was one of those journeys where you simply don’t have an agenda and don’t mind where you wind up. On this particular one, I came around a long sweeping bend in the road, and suddenly, one of the most beautiful churches, no cathedral I had ever seen, stood. I think I was in Pennsylvania.

The pinnacles scratched the underneath side of heaven as they soared high. The sides of the enormously large structure glistened in the sunlight. Then I noticed it was built straddling a river. As I turned into its parking lot, I realized that the front of this edifice was cantilevered over a large waterfall. The rising mist from the falls made the building look like something from a fairytale or Disneyland. As I started walking toward the grand entrance, I could see that the river underneath split into two veins and there was a small island of rock between. The place was beautiful.

The inside was just as lovely. As I entered through the tall, sturdy glass doors, I noticed the ceilings were so high you could hardly see the top. Gold and silver furnishings accented the royal red carpet. It seemed like a church service would be starting soon, so I entered a massive room with a large collection of seats. I found one down front and placed a book in it to hold it.

I thought I had better find a bathroom before things started. I went back into the grand foyer and turned right. Many hallways lead away from there, and they had many doors. Even though I was no longer in the entryway, the beauty and elegance didn’t stop. Winding wood staircases, still covered in the same carpet as where I entered, led to other floors. The place looked like a museum with eye-pleasing artwork on the polished wooden walls. But no bathroom.

I could hear music from the auditorium, but I just had to stop and look through the window that gave you a stunning, breathtaking, up-close view of the water, falling over the rock cliff. There, I realized the exterior was made of stainless steel to keep it from rusting with the constant moisture and mist that enveloped it. The view made my desire to find a restroom even greater. I thought there had to be one near the entrance, so I returned. As I did, I saw what I assumed was the senior pastor dressed in a royal robe greeting people. Then I turned to my left and saw a small hallway. It was down this path I found what I was looking for. The bathroom. I opened the door, and it, too, was beautiful. Marble walls lined the room, and it almost seemed too nice for the business I needed.

Then, I woke up. And yes, I had to go to the bathroom.

As I pondered the dream, the following scripture came to mind:

As he walked away from the Temple, one of his disciples said, “Teacher, look at that stonework! Those buildings!”

Jesus said, “You’re impressed by this grandiose architecture? There’s not a stone in the whole works that is not going to end up in a heap of rubble.” Mark 13:1-2 (MSG)

Jesus went on to teach the few disciples who asked, about the end times. About what will happen on earth before Jesus comes to gather his bride. Those who have accepted him into their heart, into their life.

May your life shine for God. May it reflect His glory, power, splendor, and majesty! May it draw others to him through you. May people want to stop and be in the presence of God that dwells about you. May they be in awe of God and enquire, “Where’s the entrance?” How do I enter into the kind of life you live?” And then, at that moment, you can share God’s love and how He gave us such an enormous, extravagant gift in his son, Jesus.

Don’t be misled by big, successful-looking anything on earth. But instead, seek the spirit of it all. “Is this, or they, of God?” should be the question one asks. Don’t let the grandeur cloud your discernment. The message of salvation, Jesus dying on the cross to forgive us of our sins, is so simple. Even children can understand it and accept it. I did. That message is so loving one could sum it up by saying, “Simply beautiful.”

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