Builders and Their Materials

Most of us have been engaged at some point in our lives in building something - a house, an addition to a house, maybe a piece of furniture, or even a children's play set. One concept that is consistent, no matter what the project, regards the quality of the building materials. The strength and excellence, or the lack thereof, in the materials that we use will greatly impact the life and full utilization of that building/project. Our work as a believer is no different. We are called to be builders of the Kingdom of God, but what are we using as our materials? How effective are we in what we are making if what we are using is faulty?


Last week I made the statement what you say or do either builds up the Kingdom of God or it tears it down. However there is more complexity to our building tasks than simply that. This week I want to examine those intricacies. There are too many of us in the kingdom that are operating with a false sense of security that what we are doing is really good and that it is pleasing to God. What if that is not the case? Please be patient as I try to hold us more accountable for our lives than generally speaking the church is today. In fact, we as a body of believers are sometimes guilty of allowing the "yeast of sin" into the Body of Christ and just turning away believing that we have no place in "judging" others. These are tricky waters and I am venturing into them only because Holy Spirit will not let me do otherwise. I tried, but He began redirecting this entry in spite of my efforts to go elsewhere. So this must be important to Him and therefore to us. Furthermore, the entry disappeared last night as I went to post it. It would seem that the other side does not want you to hear this message either. So here goes!

When we are true builders of the kingdom then our every action and word is somehow contributing to that construction - good or bad. We are all very familiar with scripture that talks about our works, the power of our tongues, etc. But how familiar are we with the scriptures that instruct us on the body of believers itself and the Lord's expectations on how we are to build on it and maintain it? My supposition is that we are more focused on what we are to do with non-believers and carrying out the great commission. What about the great omission?

How many times have you heard a child say, "I did not lie, I just did not tell you."? Within the Body of Christ today there is an epidemic of "not telling you." 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn't talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or who are greedy or are swindlers or idol worshippers. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that. What I meant was that you are not to associate with anyone who claims to be a Christian yet indulges in sexual sin, or is greedy, or worships idols, or is abusive, or a drunkard, or a swindler. Don't even eat with such people. It isn't my responsibility to judge outsiders, but it certainly is your job to judge those inside the church who are sinning in these ways. God will judge those on the outside; but as the Scriptures say. "You must remove the evil person from among you." This is not a word that we often hear taught in our pulpits or in fact practiced in our churches. Too often fellow believers are turning a blind eye to sinful behavior that is happening in their midst. The classic statement is "Well it is none of my business. God will deal with them." From the scripture that we just read above, God is going to deal with us too. We have been commanded to hold our fellow believers accountable. Uncomfortable, isn't it?

As the builders of the Body of Christ, building on the foundation of Jesus Christ, we will be judged. 1 Cor 3:14-15 If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames. Recognize that Paul is talking about believers, those who have experienced that saving grace of Jesus Christ and have made it to heaven. However he is also discussing the time of Judgment when the Lord evaluates all of our "works".

Thus when we stand before the Lord for the judgment of our "building efforts" how will we fair when He looks at what we did not do for the body of Christ? Yes, our actual works of commission will be evaluated - what is our motivation? Is it to make us look good or feel good or somehow benefit from our own efforts? Or are we engaged in works because of the love of Christ and wanting to share the impact He has had on our lives? However do not allow yourself to be lulled into thinking that the acts of omission will not also be examined because they have as great an impact on the building of the Body of Christ as the others. In fact if we look at the church today in America, I wonder if they have not had a greater impact.

I know that I must re-evaluate my acts of commission and omission. How well am I building the Body of Christ? I want to have something worthy of withstanding the test of fire. I ask you to hold me accountable and I pray that you have someone in your life whom you can ask to hold you accountable. Let us all have beautiful jewels and gleaming precious elements to offer to our King.