Building Something That Lasts

According the Webster’s dictionary – this is the definition of build…

Build:  to form by uniting materials by gradual means into a composite whole; to cause to be constructed; to develop according to a systematic plan.

In Scripture, God has laid forth specific plans with regards to building. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s pattern for building is perfect and comprehensive.

In Genesis 6:14-16 Noah was given specific directions and measurements for building the ark of gopher wood that would provide salvation for his family from the great flood.  In Exodus 25-27 Moses was shown the pattern of the tabernacle and furnishings according to God’s commandment.  I Chronicles 28:11-12 tells us that “by the Spirit” God had given King David the detailed building plans for the temple, its chambers and its elaborate furnishings that his son Solomon would build for the LORD.  Another example is in Nehemiah 2:1-6:19 where we see through God’s prompting, Nehemiah led the rebuilding effort in Jerusalem to repair the dilapidated walls around the Holy city.

What do you need to rebuild in your life?

We all have walls that are crumbling. There may be gaps and breaches in our marriage. We might have rotten beams and floor boards missing when it comes to our siblings or children.  There could be pesky leaks and water damage within our other family relationships. Some of us have walls in our workplace that are in desperate need of repair. Or, it just may be time for some serious ceiling and support restoration with regards to our Lord and Savior - Jesus Christ.

Timing is the key to successful building. Ecclesiastes 3:1-3 says “To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven… a time to break down; and a time to build up”.  Use spiritual sensitivity and God’s leading to determine when is a good time to “count the cost” and assemble the tools you’ll need to begin the project.

 

Many times we cannot proceed with repairs until we’ve conducted some self-evaluation.  Matthew 7:3 says, “And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck out of your eye’, and look, a plank is in your own eye?  Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck out of your brother’s eye.”  Use humility while you conduct your inspection and honestly evaluate the situation before you begin construction.

I have discovered four major things we need to consider when a structure is laid waste or in major disrepair.  Prior to embarking on a “rebuilding or remodeling” phase – be sure you have the following:

• PROPER PROVISION

“For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it- lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him…” (Luke 14:28-29).  Proverbs 9:1 and 14:1 talk about using wisdom to build on. Godly wisdom and understanding are sure foundations. We are to build “precept upon precept, line upon line” in increments (Isaiah 28:10).  In Nehemiah 2 we see God ordained favor and supply from King Artaxerxes for rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem. Nehemiah stated that it was granted according to the “good hand of my God upon me” that all he needed was given them by the King.

• EXPERTISE

“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it” (Psalm 127:1). Jesus said in Matthew 7:24, “Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”  Paul stresses using superior building materials in I Corinthians 3:11, “For no other foundation can anyone lay other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Also, “having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20) is the only sure foundation for any wall reconstruction.  Lastly, Peter tells us in I Peter 2:5 that we, “as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house” and thus part of the rebuilding efforts taking place according to God’s design.

  

• PROPER TOOLS

Three tools that are essential in good quality building are:

  Godly character – “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD. I will establish My covenant with you” (Genesis 6).

  Godly wisdom & preparation – “Then Joseph said to Pharaoh, “The dreams of Pharaoh are one; God has shown Pharaoh what He is about to do…” (Genesis 41: 25; 47-57). Joseph carried out the Lord’s command through the dream to build storehouses to collect grain during the 7 years of plenty. Because Egypt was prepared, God blessed them during the 7 years of famine for Joseph’s family’s sake.

  Godly example & motivation – “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire…Let us rise up and build” (Nehemiah 2:17-18). “Indeed, I also continued the work on this wall. ..I did not demand the governor’s provisions because the bondage was heavy on this people” (5:16; 18). Lastly, Nehemiah prayed saying, “Now therefore O God, strengthen my hands” (6:9).

• PERSEVERENCE

In Genesis 6-7, Noah spends nearly 100 years building and preparing the ark for the pending flood. It was a steady dedication and unwavering commitment to what God called him to do that marked Noah’s perseverance in the face of ridicule and scorn. 

Nehemiah 4:17 tells us he instructed his servants to work on the construction of the wall with one hand, and to hold their weapons with the other. They set their sights on the completion, and not on their enemies. He exhorted them saying, “Our God will fight for us” (Nehemiah 4:20).

Finally, take time to ensure that your building efforts will pass the test of time. Your goal is to have a job that will pass inspection and the "fire" test  (I Corinthians 3:12-14). By faith, continue building with the assurance that God indeed goes before you in victory when we build it His Way.

Deborah is the author of a Christian non-fiction book titled “Mission Possible”.  It is written for women who love the Lord Jesus, but their spouse doesn’t share their passion.  It will encourage and challenge the reader to embrace God’s promises for their spouse and future together.  Visit

http://www.spirituallyunevenmarriage.com

Building Something That Lasts