“David said, My son Solomon is still young and inexperienced, and the Temple of the Lord must be a magnificent structure, famous and glorious throughout the world. So I will begin making preparations for it now. So David collected vast amounts of building materials before his death” (1 Chronicles 22:5 NLT).
God had told David that he wasn’t going to be the one to build this great house of worship. That didn’t stop David from continuing to serve, and doing it wholeheartedly. David was, in fact, thrilled his son would have the job. So thrilled, he began warehousing the materials Solomon would need.
Are you doing the same?
The young people in your life, whether your own children or those belonging to someone else—are you preparing for their future? Are you stockpiling what they’ll need to walk/live/carry out godly lives?
Are you working on a good name for yourself? There’s nothing that builds a future like being told at a casket what a fine person the world has just lost. Words like that provoke those left to carry on the tradition. What will folks say about you?
Are you gathering up evidence that points to you having an impecable reputation? Stories float around. Tales last longer than we like. What will the accounts of your life add to the character of those coming after you?
Are you striving towards godliness? If someone were to be asked to describe you, what words would they use? Loving? Caring? Self-centered? Hateful? What inscribed building blocks will there be ready for your predecessors to use in building their lives with Christ?
Are you leaving behind the habit of prayer? Are you instituting the common sight of an open Bible in your hands? Are you constantly and continually practicing the art of praise?
You, whether you want to or not, are providing building materials for the next generation to build upon. Be very careful what you stockpile. Be very selective in the qualities you shelve.
Malinda Edgell
Illinois
PRAY TOGETHER: Lord, may the altars of our churches be stained with tears of true repentance today. Amen.
