If you have ever renovated a home previously worked on by a willing, but hopelessly unskilled, homeowner you have probably seen some striking examples of poor workmanship. Sadly, it is not just the “weekend warrior” renovators that we need to watch for – as examples of shoddy repairs and new builds abound, even when performed by so-called professionals. Some hilarious examples can be found online, like this “clever” workaround by a lazy line-painter or this interesting place for some playground equipment.
Now that’s a roundabout way of getting a headache!
When hiring out building and renovating jobs we want the peace of mind that comes from knowing that we have a contractor who is skilled, honest, and able to produce a quality result to stand the test of time. I like the following unattributed quote: “Show me a self-made man … and I will show you a fine example of poor workmanship. I am not sure of the original context, but I know it applies to the making of both a man and a society. Whether you are seeking to build your life, your family’s, or to help build our society, Jesus words regarding the necessary foundation for all building still ring true:
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it. (Matthew 7:24-27)”
Over the next four weeks we will be teaching a Sunday morning series called Nehemiah: Building a Life of Faith. When Nehemiah surveyed the walls of Jerusalem he found them to be broken down: Jerusalem lay in ruins, its gates burned and walls destroyed. Perhaps you can relate personally – having experienced the pain of relational brokenness, or you think of our own society and its hardships. I want to encourage you to come out to our August series trusting God to speak to you regarding the source and foundation for building lives, families, and society – God himself. Our first Sunday will be considering the first two chapters of Nehemiah and I encourage you to read them in advance to prepare your heart to receive God’s Word this weekend and see how God is the master builder!
Much love,
Pastor Gary
As we gather for Sunday worship, we want you to meet with God and be transformed by the Word. Prepare your heart by reading the passage and listening to the songs for Sunday.