Heart for the House DevotionalSample

Day 2: The Bricks

Thought: Read. Think. Pray. Live.

“You yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5)

 

Yesterday, we considered the image of the Church as a building. Today, we continue with that picture. If Christ is the cornerstone of the House, we are the bricks. Bricks are not much to look at by themselves. However, when gathered and arranged according to the design of a skilled architect, they can combine to produce something majestic, glorious and wonderful. Many bricks, connected and conjoined in order and unity, can constitute a beautiful masterpiece. The Church can be that masterpiece.

One of the joys of participating in God’s house is the opportunity to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. As living stones, we find our God-given purpose as we play our part in building Jesus’ beautiful spiritual building. Meaning, one of the deepest desires of the human soul, is discovered within the contexts of Church.

Being a “spiritual brick” helps us to find perspective. We do not need to build this thing all by ourselves. We cannot. Nor do we need to search for personal recognition or glory. Instead, our glory comes through what we are a part of – a movement that points people and nations towards the Glorious One.

We are a holy priesthood, stewarding the presence and blessing of God to a world that is broken and hurting. As bricks, we are servants, not masters. We are stewards, not owners. We are pieces, not the whole. As a result, we need each other and we look best together! It’s a perspective that challenges us to live with humility and compassion in relation to those around us.

As we remember we are stones, our selfishness is confronted. The Church is not about us. At the same time as we meditate on that, we find relief. We do not have to do everything and be everything. The often-crushing burden of self-achievement is lifted. Our strength is not found in our self-sufficiency but in our surrender.  We yield to Jesus and one another and allow the Master Architect to place us wherever He needs us. He wills it; we obey it. There is joy in having Jesus lead and being a meaningful part of His people!

Prayer and Application

Meditate on what it practically means to be a “living stone”. What do you think that means for you today?

Pray: Dear Jesus, I thank you that you have built me into your spiritual house. As I recognise my place in the Church, help me to submit my selfish desires to your will. Help me to deny myself and follow you (Matthew 16:24).