Jesus was a carpenter. He was raised by a carpenter. Occasionally, Jesus would use trade illustrations in his sermons and teachings. Jesus would illustrate the cost of discipleship with words about counting the cost of building a tower. He would illustrate the need to build one’s life upon his teaching with words about building a house upon the rock. One can learn much about life from houses, and one can learn much more from the Master Carpenter.
Jesus taught a good life, like a good house, is built upon the sure foundation of his words. His words, believed and put into practice, are rock-solid for building a life upon-solid!
Jesus spoke of sweeping a house and putting it in order. Before moving into a house, one makes sure everything is in order. Before moving in, changes may need to be made, such as flooring. Work may need to be done, such as painting. The best time for these improvements is before occupancy. Jesus is the master at renovating lives. The change is so dramatic it can only be described as a “new creation.”
Jesus also reminds us a life, like a house, shouldn’t remain vacant. The things that occupy a house speak volumes about the occupant. A house will not remain vacant for long. The final state of the house will be determined by what will fill it.
Paul wrote, “Be filled with the Spirit,” and, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
Fill your heart with Christ. Allow him to take up residency in your life — in your heart. Allow the Master Carpenter to build a house for you on the rock!
Ken Haskins is pastor of First Christian Church in Carson City.
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