Daily Devotion

“When Emperor Taizong began his glorious reign, ruling the people with enlightened wisdom, there was in the land of Da Qin a man of eminent virtue named Alopen. Guided by the azure clouds he bore the true scriptures, and watching the winds he braved hardship and danger. In the ninth year of Zhenguan (635) he arrived at Chang'an. The emperor sent his minister Duke Fang Xuanling with an honor guard to the western suburbs to receive him as a guest and bring him into the palace. The scriptures were translated in the imperial library, and the emperor inquired into the Way in his private apartments; deeply understanding its rightness and truth, he gave special orders for it to be taught and spread.”

Jingjing (Adam), priest of the Da Qin monastery · Inscription of the Nestorian Stele (Stele of the Propagation of the Luminous Religion of Da Qin in China), AD 781

Scripture

Acts 17:24-25 Since he is God, who made the universe and everything in it, he does not dwell in temples made by human hands, nor is he served by human hands, as if lacking anything, because he himself gives life and breath and everything to all people.

Reflection

Faced with this Creator who asks nothing of His own and is perfectly abundant, we often fall into the misconception of "bribing God with work and good deeds," mistakenly believing that our offerings will add to His glory. In reality, God does not want us to build outward temples for Him with our own hands, but rather for our hearts to be completely devoted to Him. He does not need our service to fill a lack, but is happy to bestow life and strength through our worship. True piety is seeing our true nature as created beings, letting go of proud and utilitarian mindsets, and purely resting in His ever-flowing grace and protection, allowing life to be strengthened.