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Have you ever had to do something by yourself, and you felt utterly alone? Have you ever been the only one bearing the full weight of a task or an endeavor? And have you ever wished for someone—anyone—to come alongside you to give a helping hand, or assist you in carrying just a part of the responsibility?
You might feel alone in your emotional burdens. Many of us juggle incredible responsibilities in our households, churches, families, and communities, feeling alone in the middle of such busyness and worthwhile efforts.
We can agree that it’s hard to work alone and to stand alone. Being part of a group certainly has tremendous benefits. And that’s the way it is in the body of Christ too. God provided for us so we’d never be alone.
Why? Because we are a “spiritual house” that is constructed using many individual “living stones.” The foundation of this house is Christ. As a house, it possesses strength and beauty based on a wide variety of materials (including you!). What’s more, this magnificent house of God is built up and improved with the addition of each person when they accept Christ and become new members of His family.
I thank God for Peter, the verbal artist who used superb imagery to paint a picture of the body of Christ that is simultaneously comforting and challenging. In 1 Peter 2:6 he tells us, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes on Him will by no means be put to shame,” which is based on Isaiah 28:16.
We are building our eternal life on the chief cornerstone Jesus, and we are supported by other living stones when we reach out in fellowship with other believers. Isn’t that comforting?
And how is the picture of the church, the body of Christ, challenging? It requires that you and I, as individuals, do our part to sustain the strength, beauty, and usefulness of the house. We have to let go of our impulses to do our own thing, on our own strength, in our own timing.
We need to focus on the Lord and ask Him what He wants us to do...and when...and where...and how. And He will tell us! Rest in this freedom today.
God, I have felt alone. I have tried to live my life without support, without leaning on You as my cornerstone. In my hurry to live a good life, I’ve sometimes forgotten that I’m not meant to live it alone. Thank You for reminding me I live with You in Your magnificent house. Amen.
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Do you make going to church and knowing fellow church members a priority? If not, what is standing in your way?
We are building our eternal life on the chief cornerstone (Jesus), and we are supported by other living stones when we reach out in fellowship with other believers.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
One of my favorite words in the English language is “bittersweet.” It’s sort of like the well-known announcement, “I’ve got good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” This picturesque term always reminds me that many occurrences in life fall simultaneously into the glad/sad category, bringing forth both emotions at once.