In today’s times, you cannot construct a building without a permit and several visits from your local building inspector. I love to build and construct things with my hands. I can envision how the project will look when it is completed and I find satisfaction in reaching that goal! Many times, even though I Google’d the code rules about a specific project I was working on, when the inspector came to visit they found some discrepancies with my construction practice. I may have overlooked a weight bearing load or a new electrical code. So, after a correction from the inspector and the correct rules, the projects moved to completion and are still weathering the storms today!

At the closing of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs the listeners to follow the building code established by our Creator! ²⁴“Therefore everyone who heareth these words of Mine, and doeth them, I will liken him to a prudent man who built his house upon the rock. [Mt. 7:24] St Theophan writes: “The rock is Christ and the house is the soul. Therefore nothing will shake the man who builds his soul upon the doing of Christ’s commandments. Neither the rain, which is the devil who fell from heaven, nor the rivers, which are mean and harmful when filled to overflowing by such a rain, nor the winds, which are the evil spirits, nor, in short, can any temptations cast down on a man.”

How can we build a sturdy building? One must dig deep footers, reinforced with rebar, anchoring the exterior walls to the foundation and providing a solid roof over our head! One should dig deep into the Scriptures, reinforced with the writings of our Great Saints of the Church. We have too anchor our faith with church attendance. And we must put a roof of protection over our families with unceasing prayer. And we must seek our building inspector and confessor to ensure we are using the correct methods for construction for a temple of God. ⁹For we are God’s co-laborers; ye are God’s cultivation, ye are God’s building. ¹⁰According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise architect, I have laid a foundation and another buildeth upon it. But let each one be taking heed how he buildeth up; ¹¹for no one is able to lay any other foundation beside the One being laid, Who is Jesus Christ. [1 Cor. 3:9-11]

We believers face in life many difficulties, disappointments, and misfortunes. Therefore, we should be armed with courage and faith in God to overcome the sorrowful moments of our lives, as well as those moments of hesitant faith. We will see the rain fall, the flood waters come and the hurricane winds blow, but we will overcome their destructive power if our house is built upon the rock, upon a solid and unshakeable rock of Divine knowledge and true worship of God.

Father, help us to build a temple worthy of our calling. Let our foundation be chiseled by your will and may we ever seek you in all the days of our lives!