Build To Last

“If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.” -1 Corinthians 3:12-14

Our God is the Creator and Master Builder behind all that we see! He made us in His image (Genesis 1:27) which means we were designed to also be creators! Some create art and music while others construct buildings and build companies. You were made to build and likely enjoy building when it matches your passion.

Most things people give their life to building will not last and are not a worthy investment of their life! If you pour your time, energy, and resources into building something that only matters for a limited time here on earth, it was not a great investment of your life!

Giving all your time to build for earthly results is short-term thinking! Few people still possess the best of what they built in their childhood. That backyard fort or masterpiece building block tower have long since crumbled. When we get older, we move on to more sophisticated building projects such as investment accounts and career accomplishments. However, they are no more lasting than our best sand castles that washed away in the evening tide.

You want to be sure you are investing your life into what will matter forever! To do that, you must first build on the only foundation that can’t be washed away in time - Jesus Christ! What you build on that foundation is also important. If it brings souls into the Kingdom of God and builds people up in their relationship with God, it has eternal purpose.

We are also taught that investing eternally is rewarding (v.14). No mind can imagine how great are the heavenly blessings of God for those who are in Christ and living on mission with Him!

A life lived for eternity is also practically rewarded through continual deposits of joy and peace knowing life is being well invested. Getting to work with God on eternal work is the greatest partnership that happens on earth and it impacts what happens in heaven (Luke 15:10)!

Deploy your time, your talents, and your treasures to serve the Lord and build His everlasting Kingdom!

Right on?

Read/listen to 1 Corinthians chapters 2-4

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Christ, Our Standard in Conflict

“May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” -‭‭Romans‬ ‭15‬:‭5‬-‭7‬

People are so different, and sometimes those differences can cause division and misunderstanding. People communicate and think very differently which can cause hurt and conflict. What is the standard for how you can relate to so many different types of people? What standard can help you respond well to so many different things they can say or do while consistently being who you want to be inside all of that?

God can give you the same attitude of mind that Jesus had toward people (v.5).

We decide to treat people in the gracious way that Jesus treated us! He loved us when we were not loving toward Him! When we were enemies and rebellious toward God, Jesus gave His life for us! Christ accepted us while we were in our sin, but He also did not overlook our sin! God loves us enough to confront our sinful choices, but He does it in love!

With Jesus as our standard, we can treat others with love regardless of how they behave while also sharing the Truth of God’s Word. People may treat you poorly, but that does not have to determine how you respond to them!

Christ also made time for people! He made time for the disciples as they asked Him questions, He talked with the woman at the well, and He would pause to heal someone in need! Jesus made time for people!

Christ was also always on mission with people! He would preach to them about the Kingdom of God, teach and develop them according to their needs, and He was also purposeful to pull back from people in pray and rest so He could bring His best to people.

Treat others like Jesus treated you! Make time for people, but also be purposeful with people as they have an eternal soul! Every person matters to us because every person matters to God!

Right on?

Read/listen to Romans chapters 15-16 & 1 Corinthians 1

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You Are So Needed

“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” -Romans 12:6-8

You have been given a great gift by God to use for His divine purpose, and you've likely been given multiple gifts! For many people, those gifts are vastly underutilized. We collectively won’t be at our best without you! You are desperately needed in God’s Kingdom!

It’s critically important that you show up and it’s also very important how you show up.

As we mature, we start to first understand we have a gift, then we begin to use that giftedness, but eventually we learn how to get it right with how we bring what we've been given. We are instructed to give generously, lead diligently, and show mercy cheerfully (v.8).

As you have opportunity to serve, do it generously! Pour in everything you have and go beyond what is expected. Generosity is a powerful multiplier of your gift! Generosity opens doors, blesses relationships, and influences people in memorable ways! Are you generous in the use of your gift?

Then, use your gift diligently! Not inconsistently or casually, but with excellence and applied discipline! Increase the standard and raise the bar of expectation. Diligence allows you to show up every day and continue to be at your best for a long time to come. Diligence leverages the strength of your gift for a greater impact! Are you diligent in the application of your gift?

Finally, use your gift with a cheerful heart! We don’t approach serving as a religious have to, but as a joyful get to! It’s a joy to serve, it's not a job! Bringing a cheerful heart as you serve keeps you fresh, encourages everyone who encounters your joy, and aligns with the joyful sound of heaven (Hebrews 12:22).

Our motivation is Jesus who gave His absolute best in both how He lived and died for you! Because Jesus gave everything while He lived on earth, we can live eternally in heaven! Now you get to use your giftedness to help others experience life eternal in Jesus as well!

You have a gift and we need you to use it! Take care to use it well and bring everything you have so everyone gets to experience all God has for us together!

Right on?

Read/listen to Romans chapters 12-14

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