Build the House
Build the House
In the past seven years, our family has moved a total of five times. After one apartment, three houses, and two extended stays with parents while house shopping, we have had our fill of moving boxes and packing paper to say the least! At each move, a conversation would always, even if briefly, be had about the option of building a house versus purchasing. We have always decided not to, for a variety of reasons, but we have always been aware of warnings given from those who have completed this endeavor before:
“It will test your marriage like nothing else”
“I’ve never been more stressed out doing anything”
“No matter how good your plan, it never goes like it’s supposed to”
“Even if you build your ‘dream’, you’ll think of everything you wish you’d done, after its complete”
“You couldn’t pay me to do it again”
If you’ve never done it, it’s hard to foresee all the potential details and conflicts that could arise while working with the various parties involved. What types of light switches, which light fixtures, what about the other outdoor hose bibs, why is that wall there? All the details, though many may be unexpected, are understandable.
I think what most people underestimate is the stress that is caused from the conflicts between them and who is supposed to be their partner through this ‘adventure’. How could my own spouse wind up being my enemy throughout this? I thought we were building our dream! We quickly learn that no two people, not even husband and wife share the same dreams down to the individual details.
Why do we think it is going to be any less difficult building the house of God? 2x4s can be more flexible than our brethren and bricks can seem softer than our hard-headed church family at times. Paul knew the struggles of dealing with individuals as he wrote letters to various churches. To the Ephesians he says:
“in whom the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together into a dwelling of God in the Spirit.” (Eph. 2:21-22)
Paul says we are “being fitted together”. No boards go into building a house without being cut to fit in properly. We have the ability to be part of the spiritual house of God, but that comes at the cost of checking some of me at the door. I cannot be a part of God’s house and remain fully intact. I must be willing to trim my preferences and personality so that I may be fitted with the body. My prayer is that I have the humility to accept this pruning so I can be part of building this glorious house!