Building it Right

Imagine that you’re constructing a building – not some kind of throw-it-together effort, but something beautiful and strong that will stand the test of time.  You’ve carefully collected the best building materials available – hewn stones – and now you’re prepared to begin the actual construction.  How would you proceed?   Would you start by placing the stones randomly, in the hope that they would eventually line up?  Not if you care about how the building looks!   No, you would start by placing one stone as the base of a corner and then begin building outwards and upwards from there – that’s the best way to ensure that your walls are straight and your corners square.  If you want to construct a pleasing building, start with the cornerstone!

If you’ve ever been involved in building any kind of structure, you will also appreciate how important the corners are for stability.  The corners knit together the walls that join at right angles, and if all the stones are interlocked to the corner, the walls will resist the temptation to fall over.  A section of wall by itself is vulnerable – anchoring it to a corner makes it rigid.  If you want to construct a strong building, secure it to the cornerstone!

But it’s obvious that if you’re going to use the cornerstone for the reference and support of the entire structure, you want to be sure that it is itself solid and secure.  You’ll select your largest and “truest” stone and be sure it is anchored firmly to the earth.  A cornerstone that shifts, wobbles, or fractures over time will bring down the whole building.  If you want to construct a lasting building, choose a solid cornerstone!

Everyone wants to build a good life for themselves – a life that has joy and meaning and will serve as an example to others.  We are all provided with a selection of personal ‘building materials’:  skills, family, health, personality, ambition, etc.  All of these are God’s good gifts to be used in the abundant life that He wants for you.   But too many try to assemble their lives with no point of reference other than the pleasure and expediency of the moment and sadly discover that nothing ‘lines up.’  For the Christian, Jesus Christ provides the sure reference point for placing all of the other components so that all fit together in a way that provides deep satisfaction.  If you long for a joyful and meaningful life, align it on Christ the Cornerstone!

A life that is not anchored to something solid is vulnerable to the destructive forces that are thrown at us.  The pieces of a complete life are like numerous sections of wall – work, family, leisure, friendships, security, abundance – all of which God desires for us, and are to be assembled from the blessings He has graciously provided.  Yet, none of these can stand securely by itself – all must be knit together into an interlocking whole and anchored to the solid corner of the One who is the intersection of almighty power and human experience (God made flesh).  If you want to build a life that can withstand adversity, anchor it to Christ the Cornerstone!

God didn’t create us to be “temporary housing” and the greatest of His gifts is our eternal soul.   Yet, despite all of our best intentions and efforts, there are fatal flaws in our own plans and workmanship – the lives that we can construct for ourselves are inevitably makeshift affairs and not rated for eternity!   But the good news is that though our own constructions may be candidates for the wrecking ball, our Lord is the ultimate practitioner of the “extreme makeover”!   He promises to make us worthy homes for His presence!    That is the unconditional “rehab” that was won for us in the death of Jesus and certified by His resurrection.  If you seek an eternal life of joy, trust in Christ the Cornerstone!

“[You are] built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.”  (Ephesians 2:20-22)