The Chateau de Versailles was one of the most intricately and extravagantly designed places I have ever been.The fact that one man built that castle in order to glorify himself and establish himself as THE king seems outrageous. Not only was the castle itself dazzlingly ornate, but the gardens were awe-inspiring as well. Miles and miles of curated greenery and perfectly coordinated fountains exuded an air of luxury and excess. I do not believe that Louis XIV was seeking to glorify God as he built this chateau, however- who am I to judge a man's heart. I do know, though, that if a leader today were to act in the same manner, they would experience severe resistance and would receive no respect or honor. The outward appearance was seemingly everything to the court that built Versailles, and that is an error that we are biblically warned against. Living a Spirit-empowered life requires a constant cultivation of the heart and living in communion with God. Spending exorbitant amounts of time and effort creating a beautiful exterior seems a dangerous path for the Christian to walk. On the other hand, there does need to be a proper amount of effort given to keeping one's outer life in order; treating the body as a temple, creating a welcoming and hospitable environment with which to welcome others, etc. As in all things, there is a balance; Louis XIV did not recognize this balance though, and the result is a fantastically beautiful home that he eventually left behind here on earth (that all of the rest of us get to tour!!).