Building Up

Ecclesiastes 3:3 – “…and a time to build up”

Last week, I shared about the concept of appointed times and seasons and God's purposes and desires in them.

“There is a TIME for everything and a SEASON for every PURPOSE under heaven.” Ecclesiastes 3:1

Today's focus is on the season and purpose of ‘building up.’ We probably like this concept because it sounds more positive and comes with a natural expectation, BUT it has to be done well.

I have seen many buildings constructed poorly and too quickly. Some walls haven't been straight, and the mistakes are just covered by plywood or cement to hide the faults and shoddy work.

Unfortunately, when construction companies cut corners and use substandard materials or even unqualified workers, these are the buildings that collapse or are easily damaged in earthquakes or by extreme weather.

‘Build up' can relate to brand-new construction, which requires proper design and blueprints. It can also involve renovation and repair to an existing building. If it is a new project, construction is downwards first into the foundations before any upward work.

When we built the House of Joshua children's centre (@Lifenet Children's Foundation), the first 1.5 million pesos all went into the foundation. There was nothing to see above ground for the first year. The mix of concrete and metal must be precise to support what is constructed upward. It is a timely and costly investment, but absolutely necessary.

A season of repair and restoration indicates there are areas that are worn down by time, ongoing use, or the elements. Restoration should also always start with a downward evaluation first; we must check our foundations if they are still secure—our beliefs about God and ourselves. These are the hidden areas that are frequently worn and damaged over time. We don't notice the hairline cracks that appear as the effects of shakes or multiple storms. Each one gradually weakens and compromises the whole.

Restoration isn't to cover up the weaknesses; it is to fully restore the strength and longevity of the building. The attention to detail and precision matter.

A few questions to think about today:

What areas of my life have some cracks and need some attention right now?

What goals and dreams am I carrying that require God's design and blueprints?

What am I being called to build or rebuild?

How can I be part of restoring and building others up this week?