So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

Mark 11:15-17 (NKJV)

Jesus was upset with the vendors peddling their wares in the outer court when he entered the Temple. What was once a holy site of worship and devotion has been transformed into a venue for a profit-driven industry. Jesus reminded the crowd that the Temple was built so that they could worship God and spread His name across the world. Yet people often corrupt what was previously given for their benefit and blessing when they lose sight of God's intention.

It is good to remind ourselves why God gives us the church.

The church is never a building or a location, but rather a people of God who have been called out of the world into a relationship with Him. As part of that calling, we are also given the pleasure and privilege of sharing the gospel wherever God has placed us. But it is simple for us to lose focus on the importance of our calling and end up engaging in a variety of church activities that have little to do with who God intended us to be in Christ.

Jesus cares for His church.

Yet Jesus won't be afraid to call out when our beliefs and practises don't line up with the truth of His gospel. He only does this because He wants us to look to Him and conform to His image. As He did when He revealed Himself to the seven churches in the Book of Revelation, He wanted the followers of Him to never forget who they really were and to embrace the mission He had given them. Just as the Father had sent Him, Jesus also sends them—and us—to be His light to the world.

It is difficult to go off course and wind up travelling down the wrong path when our hearts align with Christ's heart. The more firmly planted you are in the gospel of God's grace, the less likely you will be tossed around by false beliefs and poor lifestyle choices. Don't worry if you are unsure of your relationship with God right now. Instead, feel free to ask the Holy Spirit to help you to discover your place in God.