The Builder


Psa 127:1  A pilgrim song of Solomon. If GOD doesn't build the house, the 

	builders only build shacks. If GOD doesn't guard the city, the night 

	watchman might as well nap. 

Psa 127:2  It's useless to rise early and go to bed late, and work your worried 

	fingers to the bone. Don't you know he enjoys giving rest to those he 

	loves? 


	In the building of a home there is a great deal of work to be done. There 

is just no way for all the details of its construction to be accomplished 

without great effort being exerted over an extended period of time. In this 

expended effort, there are also specialized areas that require specific 

knowledge and skill in plumbing, electricity, carpentry, roofing, finish work, 

etc.. Normally each licensed contractor will come in and complete his area of 

expertise at the appropriate time. As each part is completed it has to be 

approved by an inspection, and if it doesn't meet certain requirements it may 

have to be redone altogether. It is essential, though, as each job is being 

done, that it be done in the right order of sequence and according to the 

specifics of the design for each particular home. Even though the work of 

several different skilled craftsmen goes into the completion of the home's 

construction, it is interesting that there is a single person who is actually 

called the "builder". This person may actually do some of the work himself or 

herself, but their role is more in the coordination and direction of all work 

that is being done. Without the involvement of the general contractor or 

builder, much effort may be expended over several months without ever completing 

the work in an acceptable manner. Without the direction of the builder, jobs may 

be done out of sequence or to the wrong specifications and have to be redone. If 

this builder is experienced, however, and is directly involved with every aspect 

of its construction, the home may be efficiently and properly built, with much 

less time and effort. Enjoyment of its structure and rest from the work of its 

construction may take place more quickly, and there can be security felt in the 

quality and longevity of its existence. 


	There is a great deal of work to be done in the building of a spiritual 

home and the forming of a life that will have significance and purpose. No 

matter how much energy is given to working at its construction, however, there 

will be no real progress made without the involvement of the Builder at every 

level and in every process. When He is given continual access to the job site 

and when His every direction is acknowledged and heeded, there will be efficient 

use of all effort. Instead of trying to do it all alone, there will be many 

specialists brought into our lives, in the right order of sequence, to ensure 

that every part is completed with perfection. Instead of spending worried and 

vain time and energy in never completing a shack, a beautiful home may be soon 

enjoyed with effort that is rewarded at every level. There will always be a 

necessity for diligence and hard work, but the fruit of that diligence will be 

greatly determined by the coordination and direction of the Builder. Even though 

there may be some time required for its completion, there will always be an 

assurance that the right progress is continually being made when there is always 

an awareness of His presence and involvement. Instead of experiencing 

frustration at having to redo the same old areas over and over again, instead of 

floundering in areas of indecision over what to do next, there can be steady and 

sure progress made toward the unique structure that is His design. 


	There is purpose in our every effort, and material, emotional, and 

spiritual wealth to be attained in forming our lives and homes under the 

direction and guidance of our Master Builder. With His favor and blessing upon 

each level of progress, we can rest assured that our efforts are not in vain, 

but that He will most certainly complete the work He's begun in us. Though there 

is much to be done, only those things that are accomplished with the attitude of 

worship and acknowledgement of His presence will produce significant progress 

towards our purpose. Instead of pressing on stubbornly towards unending 

frustration on our own, we can know the sweet rest and reward of work well done 

at the side of the Builder. 


Phi 1:6  There has never been the slightest doubt in my mind that the God who started this great work in you would keep at it and bring it to a flourishing finish on the very day Christ Jesus appears. 



9/05/05