8.7.12 "What are you building?"

"What are you building?"

Ezra 4:24-6:22
I Cor. 3:5-23
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 20:26-27

"Does God give vision to disciplined people, or does God give vision so people develop discipline?"  This is one of those questions that pop into my head that I spend time thinking about.

It probably works both ways. I tend to often find myself in the second group. I am by nature an undisciplined person. For example, I've never really fully developed my musical abilities to what they could be for this very reason: I don't put the time into practice. The times I have really grown musically have been when there's been an event like a CD project or something that I've had to get in shape for. When I would see the value, I'd match it with the preparation. I'm not saying that's a good thing, that's just my nature. This relates to growth in Christ.

We can view maturity in Christ as a personal building project. When we give our life to Christ, he is the foundation. "And no one can ever lay any other real foundation that the one we already have - Jesus Christ." I Cor. 3:11. Everyone starts from the same point. But from here on, each has control over the building materials used.

What are you building "God's building" out of? "There are various kinds of materials that can be used to build on that foundation." (3:12) What is your time spent on? What are you doing when you expend your greatest energies? "there is going to come a time of testing at Christ's Judgment Day to see what kind of material each builder has used. Everyone's work will be put through the fire so that all can see whether or not it keeps its value, and what was really accomplished." (3:13) Will your materials pass the test?

A man working for a contractor was about to retire, his boss told him to build a house. He was told to spare no expense, but he wanted to get done quickly, so he cut corners, used cheap materials, etc. When it was finished, the contractor told the man that the house was his retirement gift. Well, you can imagine his disappointment in himself. If he had had known, he would have probably been more disciplined in the project.

Too often we run through life cutting corners, using cheap materials, etc. We're in a hurry to get on to other things. We need to see what a tragedy that is. "But if the house he has built burns up, he will have a great loss." (3:15) I don't want to suffer that.

When you understand the value of the building you are working on, and how God has such a tremendous purpose for it's use, you become increasingly disciplined in material usage. "Empowered through Biblical Training" is the "Home Depot" of this building project. This is where you get your materials. We must become increasingly disciplined in the word, and faithful to corporate study and worship. Then we will find the process of disciplining thought and action begin to grow. This is the "gold and silver and jewels" that is talked about in verse 12.

You WILL be tried by fire. You wont know the full effect of the purpose for this building called your "life", but know that it is for GOD'S purpose, and he desires to complete his work in you! Make sure you give him great materials to work with! 

Run the race to build on a godly foundation today!




Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

Pastor Greg Lathe

Dynamic Lifestyle of Worship
Relationships Devoted to Unity
Empowered Through Biblical Training
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