Bishop David deFreeseBishop David deFreese
Nebraska Synod, ELCA

Saint Paul told the Corinthians: “We must each be careful how we build, because Christ is the only foundation. Whatever we build on that foundation will be tested by fire on the day of judgment.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-12)

An old carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the construction business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire and they could get by.

The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go, and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in a short time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials just to get the job done. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work, the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front door key to the carpenter, “This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you.” The carpenter was shocked! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock, we realize we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over… we would do it much differently. But we cannot go back.

Be wise! Keep the main thing the main thing.

I am so grateful for those in our church family who are wise…

  • Who strive to keep the promises made in baptism… understanding the privilege of being bathed in grace and then invited to partner with God throughout life.
  • Who struggle to hear God’s voice above the din of all others who call after them.
  • Who recognize the importance of regular, faithful worship so that God is God in their living and they are refreshed and restored by God’s Grace.
  • Who “grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ”… meaning that Christian education is a lifelong calling and necessity as they develop understanding of their response to be God’s very own.
  • Who prioritize their lives… doing that which is ultimately important, rather than what society dictates.
  • Who understand that to be a Christian is to serve.
  • Who encourage, even cajole, their children to learn to walk with Christ… for example insisting on the importance of Christian education, Sunday school, mission trips, Bible camp, etc.
  • Who discipline themselves so that God’s ways are done… for example, giving of “first fruits,” not “what is left over.”
  • Who compassionately respond to the needs of others, especially those that would be so easy to forget and neglect.
  • Who talk with God… praying so that God is included and then listen for God’s voice so that they are changed.
  • Who invite others to know the treasure of Jesus as their Christ.
  • Who believe that it is more important for their children to know and love Jesus their Christ than to know how far they can hit, kick or throw a ball.
  • Who truly strive to be God’s people… responding to the gifts God so graciously gives.
  • Who help the Church be what God calls it to be because they are the Church.

Be wise!

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