Articles
The Builders
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A time to break down, and a time to build up. (Eccl. 3:3)
I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (Matt. 16:18)
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Have you noticed how often the Bible describes people building things? Consider some examples:
- Noah built the ark to save his family from the flood, using instructions God gave him.
- Moses and the Israelites built the tabernacle and its furnishings in the wilderness, to serve as God's meeting place for His people.
- Centuries later, Solomon built his magnificent temple to replace the tabernacle. It became a monument to the glory of God, not only to the Jews but also among the Gentiles.
- Following the return from Babylonian captivity, Nehemiah led the people in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, so essential to the city's long-term security.
- The apostle Paul, so famous for building churches, was also a tent-maker. He found dignity in working with his hands.
There is something about human nature that drives us to build things. All of human history can be summarized as one long building enterprise. We have learned to master the physical world around us to build houses, monuments, tools, machines, works of art, clothing, farms, ships, vehicles, computers, systems, cities, corporations, empires, civilizations. We are so clever we can even build devices that can take us to the moon and beyond. Whether for functionality or beauty--or sometimes both--humans love to build things.
It should not surprise us, therefore, to read of Jesus the carpenter "building" His church. This is a figure of speech--He has no interest in physical cathedrals--describing a special group of people who honor and follow Him. These people have an outlook on life that sets them apart from others. Like Jesus, they use their time and talents to serve others, not themselves. They have a remarkable resiliency that allows them to weather the storms of life with grace and dignity. As a whole, this group of people is a wonder to behold. They were built for that very purpose.
And guess what? A major component of these people's work is building, also. They "build up" (edify) one another through teaching and encouragement (1 Cor. 14:12; Eph. 4:12). It's what God created them to do, and He has provided guidance on how they can do it well.
Friend, God put you on this earth to build. Whatever your talents and inclinations, get busy using them to fulfill God's purpose for your life. When your time on earth is done, the world will be a better place for your having been here.
--David
