I have an acquaintance who deliberately purchased their home in close proximity to their temple for their religion for which his family follows. While it was for geographic convenience, since their family participated in many activities that occurred at this temple, he also believed that their family would be protected by literally living within the shadow of the temple. They were not alone. The property values of the homes around the temple had outpaced similar homes in the same area.
Does living close to a house of worship impart spiritual blessings upon a person and their loved ones? Our current church is located just five minutes from our home. In the past, I have attended churches that were as far as an hour away by car. The deciding factor for me was never the geographical proximity but the spiritual proximity of its members.
And let us consider one another in order to provoke love and good works, not neglecting to gather together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:24-25 (CSB)
The COVID pandemic has radically changed the way many Christians, including my family, currently worship. For over 18 months, we have been attending our church worship through online services. Of the several churches we have attended, we connected with several members in one church. This led to more connections and interactions. While we do not meet in person, we have been encouraged by their text messages and emails. But it is not only this church, many brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ, from other churches we have attended in the past, have reconnected with us during these difficult times. They encourage us in our faith in spite of the physical distancing and challenges.
The Church, the Body of Jesus Christ, will never be limited by geographic boundaries. Living close is always possible when we are united as brothers and sisters through faith and belief in Jesus Christ.
Amen!
Love and trust in the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 