Under Construction

In the Upper Room devotion, the author says,” I will always be a Christian who is under construction…” As we enter the summer season, the season of road construction, it makes me stop and think of the comparison. We do not look forward to road construction. Oh, we know the roads need fixed. Can see the roads need fixed. Complain because the roads are in bad shape. But when the construction begins. We complain about that too. The waiting. The signs and lane changes. The pilot cars, etc.

So thinking that I will ALWAYS be a Christian under construction is not great news for me. Or is it? I suppose it all comes down to perspective. I could take the negative perspective. I will never be good enough. I will never be able to measure up to God’s standards. It’s too much work. It’s tiring, I don’t have the energy for it. If I am looking at these negatives, which is the world’s perspective, I am tempted to just leave it at that and give up trying to be a Christian.

But if I look at it from God’s perspective, which is what we are called to do in Romans 12:2 “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

When I think, I will never be good enough…I will know that is why Jesus came, I don’t have to be good enough. I just have to be willing to know Him.

When I think I will never measure up…again God in His wisdom, knew that, He gave us Jesus as an example to follow Him.

When I think it’s too much work. It’s tiring. Again God understands that. He wants us to rely on His strength and not our own anyway.

As I think about ALWAYS being under construction. I decide I’m going to take the positive perspective. I will be constantly improved. I will continually be mended and strengthened after the storms of this world ravage my life. It is a blessing to be a Christian who is ALWAYS under construction. Otherwise, I would stay beaten down, roughed up, used and tired. But when I am not conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of my mind, I can better discern what the will of God is….that which is good, acceptable and perfect. (Romans 12:2 paraphrased).

Prayer: Dear Loving Lord, thank you for your love and faithfulness to us. This love that never gives up on us. This love that wants us to be under construction. To be better. To be more like your son Jesus. Thank you for your word today. Help me to carry it with me. In Jesus name. Amen.