Tuesday, December 3, 2013

California Corners

In construction with 2x4s a standard corner is made up of solid wood. While sturdy, it offers little in the way of insulation properties. Outside corners in such construction are typically colder in the winter and warmer in the summer. They are solid, but not as good as they could be. Enter newer construction methods.

If a home is built with 2x6s, less vertical members are required for the same or equal strength. And the corners can be modified so that they are partially hollow, allowing for insulation to be placed in them. These corners are equally solid, and they add more usefulness in terms of better insulation. How does this relate to us?

Not everyone will be built the same way or by the same people. Different people may experience different amounts of spiritual growth at the same time. Paul addressed this in various places.

1 Corinthians 3:6 I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.

Here Paul is pointing out that there are many that may come in to our lives to help us grow, but it is God doing the work.

Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;
12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:
13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:
14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;
15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

Here Paul talks about how the work of the ministry is to perfect the saints so they can build up the church. Reading to the end here we see that it takes time to everyone moving forward. This is in part because different people are different, and it takes a body to build a body.

The point is some people will be California corners and some will not, but God does the work in us all.

Prayer
Father, we praise and exalt You. You alone are our King. Please help us to build each other up and not tear each other down. Please help us to move forward toward being more like Jesus (Yeshua) every day. And thank You for the provision for wholeness You give us everyday. In Jesus’ (Yeshua’s) name. Amen.