How We Build

How We Build

As this year comes to a close, I am thinking about building. 

In 1 Corinthians 3, the Apostle Paul says he has laid a foundation, which is Christ.  He says, “Let each one take care how he builds upon it.  For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.  Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw – each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done” (vs 10-13). 

Anyone who has built a house or other structure knows the importance of a strong foundation, and what goes on the foundation must also be sturdy.  If we built with rotten or weak wood, the house would soon cave in. 

If we build our lives with things that are not sound, are not strong, then we will end up with a crumbled mess.  

So, how are we doing?  In Christ’s Church, are we building well?  Are we adding to what others have built in a way that sustains the House?  How about in our homes and families?  Are we building on the strong foundation of Christ?

It seems some want to live on the second story while at the same time knocking out the foundation.  But this, my friends, is not possible.  “Cultural” Christianity is not strong or sustainable.  Many chip away at the foundation bit by bit and build their lives around the “precious things” of the world, that cannot sustain. 

Paul says that people should regard us as “servants of Christ” and “stewards of the mystery of God.”  He goes on to say, “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.”  Paul encourages others to “imitate him” and in 1 Timothy 4:6, he says to “practice these things, immerse yourself in them,” meaning the things that help us grow as believers. 

We are to “pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, steadfastness, gentleness” (1 Tim  6:11).  

In Chapter 15, verse 58 he admonishes us to be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.”   

Let’s build with things that are strong – with lives built on Jesus Himself, on the Word of God, on love, on faith, on good works.  

Build on what others have given their lives for.  

Build well.