Romans 10:2; “For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.”

Today while rummaging around for info on an article I came across yet another interesting topic that captured my attention.

An article from NewsOK in 2009 released info about a Buddhist Temple that was built in Spanish Fork, UT. I wrote about the festivals last year and wondered how an Indian population had grown to the point of having such a large festival – but now I know eh?

The article mentioned the appreciation the Buddhist community had for the LDS Church and its members. They weren’t hesitant in pointing out the large number of Mormons who came by to help build, plan and offer services to get things set up for its worshippers. The LDS Church even went so far as to donate $25,000.

A horde of scriptures flooded my mind as I read through the article as well as a deep sense of loneliness (Mt 15:14 2 John 1:10, etc). How sad it is that a large scale operation who’s so misguided would lend its service of members and their financial gifts to encourage another large group who doesn’t know they’re separated from God and His unending mercy.

The ‘rules’ for believers on this side of the cross is different from those who lived prior to Jesus’ saving grace. Beforehand, God told His children to tear down the walls that housed the false gods of Canaan (Deut 12:2). In the age of grace we need to shun the falsehoods while we lovingly witness to those who are ensnared in its frightful grasp.

We need to maintain the same passionate zeal in our hearts for defending the One True God of the Bible. The focus and zeal that Israelites had for God needed to be constant as they were being led out of Egypt and into Canaan. Moreover, their commitment needed to be evident 24/7, to and for each other as they trudged up and down the valleys of Israel.

Are we as Christians holding to that same zeal as the Israelites were in Joshua’s and Moses’ day? Is our commitment that evident to the stranger who comes into your life?

The scenario in Utah tells me neither LDS Church leaders, nor its members, have a clue about who He is and what He expects of us. If they knew the True God of Israel they wouldn’t have provided monetary, or other means to a false god or its worshippers.

If you’re LDS, is it okay with you the Church helped fund the building of a Buddhist temple? Do you know if any of your tithe money went into that donation?

If Mormonism is the only true church on the face of the earth, why would you monetarily support another religion? If it was a drug or prostitution temple would you give money there?

Pray for their discernment and especially during the upcoming Festival of Colorsthat will be held in April. According to the Buddhist’s website tickets to worship the Buddhist God are being sold at the Salt Lake Temple Gift Store. Hmmm…