Building

“You are the temple of God, and God himself is present in you.”

(1 Corinthians 3:16 MSG)

We have some family friends who are home builders/general contractors. They built our home and live in the neighborhood. As they build each home, they imagine the family that will move in and live there. Each client is a potential friend and neighbor. Even though they have to hire subcontractors like electricians, plumbers, roofers, etc., to do specific jobs, they make sure that everything is done to their high standards. Their reputation and their business depend on the quality of their work.

Every life, our own as well as the lives of others, is a building project. We are building lives that house God’s Spirit. Today we are subcontractors. Every person we encounter becomes an opportunity to create a space for the Holy Spirit. The materials we use--words, facial expressions, actions, attitudes--all matter. We can’t use inferior materials or do shoddy work and ask God to move in.

“Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live among them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.” (Revelations 21:3 NLT)