Build Us Up

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never built a house for actual humans before. Nor do I think I would want to, because I’ve built enough not-for-human houses before (like out of Lego and/or playing cards) to know that building a structurally sound structure isn’t easy. You need the proper materials (things other than Lego and/or playing cards), methods, and most importantly, a good and solid foundation (a lop-sided kitchen table won’t do). Otherwise, the thing you built won’t be destined to stand, but instead be bound to fall.

God tells us that we are God’s temple and our foundation is Jesus Christ. Those around us are the workers, building us up and supporting us with love and care. But we aren’t to just sit there and wait for others to build us up; we have a role in building them up as well. Together, we create a community of love and service, built with care and welcome, resting upon the teachings of Jesus Christ.

And if this weren’t enough (it totally is), God also blesses us with God’s own presence, filling us with the Spirit, and declaring us as joint-heirs with Christ. Talk about being built up in joy! Praise be to God!

Holy God, we give you thanks for creating us and including us in your kingdom of love and grace. Amen. — NF