Under Construction: The Foreman and The Tools

April 23, 2019

Under Construction: The Foreman and The Tools

There has been much excitement at OCCS this past month. Musicals, fundraisers, community events, athletics, and, most recently, demolition! That's right! The big news at OCCS is the start of our building project. But first, some buildings needed to come down. It definitely complicates some of the daily routines in our hallways and classrooms, but the excitement and anticipation of what is to come makes it all worth it.

The storage shed is gone!!

This building project takes on even more meaning when we consider it in light of our theme for the year, "Under Construction." The month of March focused on "The Foreman." In our building project, contractors have been chosen to oversee the construction. The right people have to show up at the right time to keep the project moving forward. This all takes organization, knowledge, and planning on the part of the foreman. The month of April has focused on "The Tools." Some of the tools that will be used for our building project will now be seen and probably even heard in the next weeks. The right machinery, power tools, hand tools, and measuring devices provide the extra force and power to complete the task more efficiently and effectively.

How does this connect to the concept of our own lives being "under construction"? It all comes down to WHO we give control. We can wake up every morning, ready to take on the challenges of the day, but without the Foreman to give direction and guidance, our labor is pointless.

"Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, for you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain."
1 Corinthians 15:58b

Scripture reminds us over and over to put our trust in the Lord, to rely on His strength, to follow His direction for our lives. Only he can see the full picture. He has the experience and knowledge to prepare us for what comes next.

He also provides us with the tools of His Holy Spirit to be effective for his kingdom and his work. His Holy Spirit works in us and through us, empowering us to do more than we could on our own. Our April theme verse reminds us to "keep in step with the Spirit."

"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Galatians 5:24-25

The process won't always be easy. Construction, whether in building projects or in our own lives, can cause inconveniences. There are delays, complications, and unexpected expenses along the way. And just as our building project first requires some buildings to be torn down, our own lives may also require a bit of demolition to make room for God to do His work. (Galatians 5:24) He only asks us to trust His process and plan, relying on His knowledge and strength, and to keep our eyes fixed on the final goal.

When that new building addition is finally completed, all the work will be worth it. How much more can we look forward to the day of Christ Jesus, when God will finally complete His work in us and in His kingdom!