In 2009 pictures of a 13-story apartment building in China flooded the internet. The building had literally fallen over on its side. It looked so surreal that people began to think it may have been a hoax. Few could believe that the concrete piles, there for the world to see, could really have snapped in half like toothpicks. Although there was talk of soil movement and the effects of a nearby river, it was obvious that they didn’t lay a proper foundation.
The churches of Christ have been very good about laying the proper foundation for the church. We have striven to be the New Testament church: “Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus Himself being the corner stone” (Ephesians 2:20).
Using the same language, Peter speaks of Christians as “living stones…being built up as a spiritual house” (1 Peter 2:5). And Paul also adds, “In Jesus the whole building, being fitted together, is growing into a holy temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:21).
We are individually placed in the superstructure of church—the Temple of the Holy Spirit—to perform our acts of service.
As “living stones” each one of us is placed in relation to the Foundation. It is too easy to see ourselves as being primarily placed in relation to each other. Thus, we tend to utilise our resources, talents, and opportunities according to the conditions that surround us. Rather, we must invest those resources, talents, and opportunities in relation to our Foundation—Christ.
As simple as this may sound, it is all important. Our love for the brotherhood is not founded upon one another. Instead it is “fastened to the rock which cannot move. Grounded firm and deep in the Saviour’s love.”
John Staiger
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