At any construction site, there is a diverse group of workers, each trained for specific tasks. You will find essential workers digging trenches and pouring concrete for the foundations – their role is crucial for the overall stability of the entire building.

 

You will also find skilled bricklayers who are responsible for laying the bricks with precision, ensuring that the walls are straight. If the walls are not straight, the entire building will be rendered useless. Those tasked with plastering must work carefully, as their work will significantly impact the overall aesthetic of the building. Installing the roof is a highly specialised job; if it’s done poorly, the roof may leak at the first sign of rain.

 

Similarly, everyone who is involved in building the spiritual home or body of Christ must be properly trained for their work. This training comes from the Holy Spirit, who blesses us with different spiritual gifts. According to 1 Corinthians 12:8 and following, these gifts include a message of wisdom, a message full of knowledge, faith, the power to heal, the power to work miracles and the gift of seeking God’s message. We can compare these gifts to the various roles involved in construction: those who dig the foundations, lay the bricks, apply plaster, paint and install the roof.

 

The most important aspect is not the number or type of spiritual gifts we receive, but how we actively use the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit. These gifts come with a specific purpose: to contribute to building the body of Christ on Earth. We do not receive these gifts to boast about them, but to help strengthen the church of Christ for the spiritual benefit of all people.

 

The home that we are building is meant to give us a place of refuge where we can live and work for Christ, even when life’s storms are raging all around us.

 

Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for training us to help build your church and for providing a refuge where we can work for your glory. Amen.