As a pastor, I’ve served churches that considered themselves “older.” In fact, I still have at least a decade before I reach the average age of many of those congregations. In those churches, a conversation that always comes up is this: Why aren’t younger people more engaged with the church and its mission?
Church leaders often look for the silver bullet that will make this happen. Some churches are more willing to try whatever they’ve heard might make all the difference. But I’d like to suggest something that has to be in place no matter what else we do.
We see it in today’s reading. Jesus reminded everyone of God’s purpose for the temple when he flipped tables and drove people out. As he did, he quoted scripture: “My house shall be a house of prayer; but you have made it a den of robbers.” The Message Bible calls it a “religious bazaar.” In other words, the priorities of those leading the worship life of the temple were way off.
Now, Jesus’ actions made an impression, but so did his words. While the religious leaders plotted against him, the people kept listening. The NRSVUE says “all the people were spellbound” by what he taught. Other translations say they “hung on his every word.” Literally, it could be said they “hung on his lips” because they didn’t want to miss a word.
Why? Because his words were authentic and consistent with how he lived. His words brought hope to people in need. He didn’t offer empty platitudes or corny stories. And all his words pointed people to God. 
That’s the reminder for us. In all our desire for others to listen to us, we can forget the responsibility of minding our words. As listeners, yes, we need to notice what distractions might muffle God’s voice in our lives. But as leaders and people of prayer, we must ask: Are we offering words that bring life? Words that reflect God?
If not, what have we made God’s house?
Stay blessed...john | 
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