Ken's KornerBUILDING OUR LIVES ON THE SOLID ROCKI was a builder for 40 years, which allowed me to be bi-vocational. I loved taking blueprints, following the prescribed plans, and bringing the architect’s vision into reality once the foundation was laid. One of the other things I loved was using the tools needed for the task. …
Ken’s Korner
BUILDING OUR LIVES ON THE SOLID ROCK
I was a builder for 40 years, which allowed me to be bi-vocational. I loved taking blueprints, following the prescribed plans, and bringing the architect’s vision into reality once the foundation was laid.
One of the other things I loved was using the tools needed for the task. I am a bit of a “tool nerd.” A worm drive cut material to size; A framing gun joined the pieces; A level kept things true; A grinder removed what was in the way. The list goes on.
What does this have to do with anything of significance? I’m glad you asked. I am still in the business of “building“ today -as are you. As believers in Christ, we are commanded to build upon the Foundation of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 3:10-16) using the prescribed materials so the Architect’s vision is realized. Our Architect is the Lord Jesus Christ, who has shown us what a godly, mature Christian should look like, sound like, and act like.
Christ has also given us the tools we need to build our lives for His purposes. He has given us everything we need for life and godliness. So, what are some of these tools?
We have been given the Holy Spirit to dwell within us and strengthen us for the purposes God calls us to. He guides us into truth, comforts us in trials and grief, and convicts us when we transgress God’s commandments.
We have been given God’s inspired, inerrant Word to lead and instruct us in what God desires. His Word renews our mind, comforts our souls, guides our path, gives hope for the present and the future, and most importantly, reveals who our God is. I cannot build upon the foundation of Jesus Christ without being in the Word of God. That is why Paul says in Col. 3:16,
“Let the Word of Christ richly dwell within you…”
To build my relationship with God, I use the God-given tool of prayer. God has given us the amazing privilege of coming to Him anytime and anywhere to pour out our hearts. He calls us to “draw near” with confidence to the Throne of Grace so we may receive mercy and grace in our time of need. Do you hear what we are being told? We miss His help when we do not use the tool of prayer! OUCH! Prayer is not a “last resort”; it is necessary for building our lives on the Solid Rock. We are also told that Jesus intercedes for us and that the Holy Spirit intercedes for us. Prayer must be seen as an essential tool in the life of a believer!
One final tool we will look at today is spiritual community, the local church. Eph. 4 tells us that the body builds itself up in love. God’s people are called to encourage, stir up, comfort, and care for one another. Proverbs tells us we can be like iron sharpening iron, helping each other grow. Friends, we need each other. God did not design us to walk alone!
Are you using the tools God has given you to build your life on the Solid Rock? Matthew 7:24 says:
“Everyone who hears these words of Christ’s and does what He says is compared to a wise builder who is building his house upon the solid rock.”
