Load-bearing Walls

“Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.” (Leviticus 19:2 CSB)

A load-bearing wall is an essential structural element in a building. It bears the weight of the roof and conducts the weight to the foundation. Curtain walls, on the other hand, are not load-bearing. When remodeling a home, curtain walls can be knocked down to open up spaces without any risk of damaging the main structure. In order to tell if a wall is load-bearing, you have to inspect the interiors of the attic space to see which walls are supporting the roof. Most of us have not even stepped foot into our own attics, much less any other buildings.  Thus, we have no clue what is essential and non-essential.

Each of us have characteristics that are fundamental to our structure. These traits may not always be the most noticeable, but they are the most significant. Only those who are willing to step into the attic spaces of our interior may ever discover these integral parts of our being. For example, I have a friend whose most obvious trait is her physical beauty. Yet, even if her looks faded, it would not change her essence. Those of us who know her intimately recognize that there is an essential goodness that holds her up. This is the load-bearing wall that supports all her other traits.

It takes time, patience, and discernment to understand the vital parts of ourselves and others. It is difficult to change these underlying characteristics, but they can be braced and strengthened by faith. Whatever our attributes, the weight of our structure needs to be conducted into the foundations of God, ensuring that our essence is held up by holiness.