Many times in the New Testament Paul refers to us as buildings, while Peter says we are Living Stones with Jesus as the Chief Cornerstone. We are both buildings under construction and builders. Jude 1:20 says, “But you, my friends, keep on building yourselves up on your most sacred faith. Pray in the power of the Holy Spirit” (GNT). We must be edifying ourselves daily building up our faith and ourselves. We cannot afford negative self talk that tears down what God is trying to get us to build. Shame, self loathing and self condemnation have no place in our minds. We must be working to build ourselves up through the Holy Spirit.
We are also to help each other in this construction project. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 says, “So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing” (NLT). How do speak and treat other Christians? Are your words building up or tearing down? Many times we all get to the point where we need help from the Body of Christ. We need someone else to lift us up, carry the load and to speak life into us. There are believers you know who need you to build them up today. They need a verse that God put on your heart to share, a kind word or a note that says you’re praying for them. Don’t be afraid to reach out and help someone in their building process.
Finally, we’re to allow God room on our job site. Acts 20:32 says, “And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.” Take time to read God’s Word and to pray inviting God to build on His Son in your life. He uses the best materials and knows just what you need. Make sure He is involved in the day to day operations of your life. We’re all under construction and need His input and help in our life. Remember that unless the Lord builds the house, we labor in vain (Psalm 127:1). Give Him free access to do what He needs to do and your life will be built according to the blueprints He has for you.
Devotions by Chris Hendrix 