Under construction

Have you ever visited a website only to be greeted with the words “This site is under construction”? I now have had this happen to me. I heard about a new site with interesting content or selling books by various authors I like at a discount price, or a product that sounded good only to find that said website hasn’t been launched yet. This can be very frustrating!

We ourselves are under construction, God is still working on us, we are a ‘work in progress’ becoming more like Jesus day by day as God by the Holy Spirit guides us and shows us His ways. Romans 8:29-30 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. ³⁰ And those whom he predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified. For those of us whom He has called (that is all those who have confessed Christ as Lord) He continues the ‘construction’ work in our lives. He wants us to change. By asking Christ into our lives God did the change from us being dead in sin to alive in Christ! We are a new creation as 2 Corinthians 5:17 states.

This work of change, being under construction, is called sanctification, and it is an ongoing process. More correctly we call it (in theological circles anyhow) progressive sanctification. This process of being under construction only ends when we are with Jesus. While here on earth He continues the work in us so that we may be ‘perfected’ in Him. Hebrews 10:14 informs us that “For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” While our God starts the work and continues to do so in us, there is also a response on our part in this; Matthew 5:48 “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”  This verse in Matthew states we are to co-operate with the Holy Spirit as He brings conviction to us and asks us to turn from those things that mar the image of Christ in us.

So, how then do we ‘help out’ in this ‘construction’ that we are under? Do we wear a sign around our neck declaring that we are ‘under construction’? Don’t get me to do anything because I’m not finished yet? Of course not! If this was our understanding, nothing would get done for the kingdom of God. What we do is, listen to what the Lord says and then do it. James says it quite plainly in James 1:22 ‘But, be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.’ If we don’t do what God has plainly said, then we are deceived. When something is uncovered in our lives that are in opposition to how God wants us to live, do we repent, turn from it and follow God? The answer should be a resounding yes!

While being under construction, God will ask or lead us to do things for His kingdom. It may be volunteering at church. It may be getting to know your neighbours, telling a friend about Jesus. Whatever it may be, we are still called on to do that which God has called us to. It’s not a ‘wait till your perfect before you can do’ scenario, it’s more of a ‘Let’s do it, because though you are not perfect, I will empower you, you are perfect IN Me!’ That’s the attitude we need to adopt.

Yes, we are still works in progress. Progressive sanctification is ongoing and while that happens, our wonderful Lord calls us to be His ambassadors here on earth.    While we are here on this planet we will always be under construction, it only finishes when we are in heaven with Him.

If you have any comments, questions or ideas for a blog please leave them in the comment box, I love to hear your feedback.

In Christ our redeemer Ps Jeff