Do you ever feel like your life is one big construction zone? Caution tape and warning signs flashing like beacons alerting those around you to slow down; there’s danger up ahead. I say that with a hint of sarcasm but in all seriousness, I’m thinking we can all relate.

Whether you know it, feel it, believe it or not, you are a divine design! And you can engage in the sacred work of building a beautiful house for the Holy Spirit (1Corinthians 6:9) by engineering the kind of life you want to live.

Most important to any good build is the foundation. It predetermines the sustainability of the structure by exacting the size, shape and strength in proportionate measure to withstand the imposition of environmental elements.

As it relates to us personally, our foundation must be Christ. He single-handedly holds the title of Master Builder and is the Chief Corner Stone (Psalm 118:22). He is our rock. Literally.

Building upon this rock is imperative for us to withstand the test of time and the volatility of the elements of life that impose themselves on us. “The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock” (Matthew 7:25).

Unlike the builders of our cities and our neighborhoods today, the Master Builder doesn’t need to rely on the adage—measure twice, cut once! No, He can take any affliction, disaster, detour, miscalculation, or mistake we make that delays, derails, or tries to abort the intended outcome and not only adjust and rework our journey, but create a new and even better, more beautiful plan to get us to the intended end result. And that, my friend, is Destiny.

With Destiny in mind, there are very few things that produce meaning in our lives, and our charge is to discover what those things are and find a way to build them into the foundation of who we are, and what we do. We are a building of the LORD. That is if we allow it.

The question is, will you allow it? And an even deeper question is will you partner with Him to work together toward the intended goal—A Very Beautiful Build?

Have you ever watched a building go up? I think it’s fun when I get to drive by the site every day and experience the progress of the project from afar. It’s quite something, isn’t it? It’s a process. It’s labor intensive. It takes skill and craftsmanship. Exactness and vision. In the end, it’s an exercise in partnership and working together.

My sense is that God alone can do amazing things with our lives if we are willing and yield to His work in us. However, when we actually engage in the process, and heed his promptings to go the extra mile—building deeper, taller, and wider selves—only then will we experience an Ephesians 3:20 moment; “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us”.

Ahhhh! Don’t you want that? I do! I do for sure!

If you are with me, let’s look at a few things to think about this week that we can partner with the Master Builder on. Keeping in mind, a well-built house includes a strong foundation of faith, an overall balance in all aspects of living, an attitude of excellence, and the ability to embrace and accentuate the architecture of uniqueness.

Build your foundation of faith in Christ alone.

Build balance in all aspects of your personal life—work, relationships, health, and emotions.

Build from an attitude of excellence by following the instructions and commands set forth in the Word of God.

Build something uniquely you. You are the only “you” God will ever create. Embrace it. Celebrate it. Own it.

Lastly, take time and careful attention to decorate your life with the class and beauty of the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).

Reflect and Respond:

This week I’d like to pose a challenge. Pick one area to partner with God on and work toward building it into your life. What will it be for you? A stronger foundation of faith? More balance? An attitude of excellence and vision? Or embracing your uniqueness?

Hugs for a great week and remember, you are not alone. Whatever you choose to build on this week, be blessed and be the Beautiful Build you were meant to be.