Dummies Guide on Building

A few months ago, I was having a discussion with an elder I know and in the course of that conversation I made a startling statement. It was a moment of truth.

There is a maxim that I always say. It’s based on the truth of Scripture: You become what you behold. The implication of this submission is serious. It means that we can tell our possible outcomes by that which we have sustained as a frame of reference.

According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle, and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it.

Exodus 25:9 (KJV)

God was telling Moses to ensure that he builds according to the Pattern that has been shown to him. So what are the factors that makes a building acceptable to God? What are the factors that makes it a success as it were? I will discuss a few in this post.

Firstly; the pattern for the building. God does not leave the blueprints for the building of our lives and the subsets there to our imagination. He always gives a blueprint, like the drawings of an Architect.

Broadly speaking, the blueprint is the framework of Christ. Therefore as we build we must be alert to the addition of anything that is outside of the blueprint, regardless of the source.

Secondly; the foundation of the building. Three things are in view here: 1) the depth of the foundation, 2) the environment of the foundation and 3) the materials used in building the foundation.

So Scripture says, no other foundation can be laid other that which has already been laid – Christ Jesus. The root of our convictions should also be deep and well-established in Him.

Lastly; the quality of material used in the building. Scripture says, let everyone take heed of what materials they are building with. Unfortunately, all kinds of materials are available and some are readily within reach and are cost-effective. We can build quickly with them but not anything permanent or profound.

A good rule of thumb is to ask, “If fire it applied to this material, would I have something that is made stronger or would I be gathering ashes afterwards?”

In light of this, what do we do?

First is always be clear in your mind about what the problem is and then where the problem is. Is the issue with what you are beholding or your execution of the same? Sit down and sort through it. Speed is only important if applied is a profitable direction.

Also, never be too afraid to evaluate what you are building or be too ashamed to admit the faults and cracks here and there. You can execute a repair or a rebuild, but by all means, do what needs to be done.