The Lord showed me, so that I did see clearly, that he did not

Hear the words of George Fox, the founder of the Quaker movement, whose heart was filled with a profound revelation: "The Lord showed me, so that I did see clearly, that he did not dwell in these temples which men had commanded and set up, but in people's hearts... his people were his temple, and he dwelt in them." In these words, Fox speaks of a truth that transcends the boundaries of formal religion, a truth that calls us to look beyond the walls of churches and cathedrals and to recognize that the true dwelling place of the divine is not made of stone or wood but is found in the very essence of human souls. This is the foundation of a spirituality that is not confined to places of worship, but is present in the hearts of all those who walk in faith.

In ancient times, the temple was seen as the sacred space where the divine met the mortal. The Hebrews built the Temple of Solomon, and the Greeks constructed the Parthenon, both magnificent structures that were believed to house the presence of their gods. These temples were seen as the intersection between the heavenly and the earthly, places where rituals were performed and offerings made. The idea was that the divine would reside in a physical space, and humanity would approach it through sacred rites. Yet, Fox's revelation calls us to a new understanding, one that echoes the deeper wisdom of the ancients—the idea that God is not confined to physical spaces, but lives within each heart.

This understanding is not without precedent in the ancient wisdom of the East. In Buddhism, it is taught that the divine or enlightened nature exists within all beings. The Buddha himself is not seen as an external god to be worshipped in a temple, but as a model for each individual to recognize the Buddha nature within themselves. Similarly, the Hindu tradition speaks of the Atman, the divine spark within each person that is inseparable from the ultimate Brahman, the source of all creation. Fox's words resonate with these ancient teachings, pointing to the truth that God's presence is not external, but exists within the hearts of those who are attuned to the divine within.

Fox’s revelation is particularly significant in the context of the Christian tradition. At the time, the established churches and their grand buildings had become the focal point of worship, and the clergy were seen as the intermediaries between God and humanity. Fox, however, found that the true worship of God was not bound by physical structures or rituals. He recognized that the temple God sought was not a building, but a heart open to divine presence. This understanding would inspire the Quaker movement, which emphasizes the inner light within each person, a light that connects them directly to the divine without the need for mediators or formal ceremonies.

The lesson of George Fox's words is one of profound spiritual freedom and personal responsibility. If God dwells in the hearts of his people, then it is the individual who must cultivate that sacred space. It is no longer enough to worship in a grand temple or to adhere to outward rituals; one must cultivate a personal relationship with the divine, one that is expressed not in the structures of worship, but in the actions and attitudes of everyday life. It is in the way we treat others, in the love we give and receive, in the kindness and compassion we show, that we create a temple for the divine.

Consider the example of Mother Teresa, whose life was a living temple of devotion. She did not spend her days in grand churches or temples but served the poor, the sick, and the dying on the streets of Calcutta. In her actions, she revealed a truth that Fox spoke of centuries ago: the divine is not confined to the walls of a building but lives in the service of others, in the humility of giving, and in the love of one’s fellow human being. Mother Teresa's life was a profound testament to the fact that the temple of God is where love is made manifest, where service to others becomes an act of divine worship.

Therefore, let us learn from the wisdom of George Fox and the lives of those who have come before us. Let us understand that the divine is not a distant being to be sought in physical structures, but a presence that lives within us all. God dwells not in temples of stone but in the hearts of those who live in love, compassion, and service. The temple is within you, dear listener, and it is your responsibility to keep it clean, open, and receptive to the divine. Let the world see the temple of God through your actions, your love, and your inner light. In doing so, you will fulfill the greatest calling—to make your heart the dwelling place of the divine.