Walking With Christ

Ephesians 2:20-22 (MSG) (20)Now he’s using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, (21)with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. (22)We see it taking shape day after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in which God is quite at home.(MSG)
Ephesians 2:20-22 (ESV) (20)built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, (21)in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. (22)In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.(ESV)

I wanted to end with this verse today so that it would leave a lasting impression. I must have started this email more than a dozen times trying to tell a story that was coherent and not a three hour read. I’m usually a pretty good story teller so this was embarrassing and frustrating. Then, I realized that was the whole point of the message today. As children, we took our first steps and failed a lot. It was a process. As parents, we cheer and encourage those first steps because we know how vital those first steps can be. Those steps were the beginning of something great.

Like this email, the first steps might not be the greatest or look anything like the final result. We celebrate those first steps knowing that without them there would be no final result. We test and try different things until we find the right combination. In building terms, we find the cornerstone. Once I found the corner stone of this message, the rest flowed naturally. If I had listened to the enemy each time I started over on this email then it’s possible that I never would have been able to send it. If I had criticized the final product based off of those initial missteps then I would never have finished.

Looking back on the verse from Ephesians reminds us of the role Christ plays in both our individual and our collective journeys of growth. Each new beginning, each attempt – be it the first or the hundredth – is a crucial block in our spiritual structure. It’s not just about achieving perfection in the first go; it’s about aligning ourselves more closely with Christ through each effort, each restart.

Let us encourage one another in these new starts, recognizing that in the grand design God is crafting, every effort has its place. With Christ as our cornerstone, each step we take, no matter how faltering, is integral to the magnificent structure we’re building together in faith. Let us approach each new beginning with renewed hope and determination, knowing that in Christ, every step is significant in our journey toward spiritual fulfillment.

It doesn’t matter what you are struggling with. It doesn’t matter what you have done. It doesn’t matter how many times you’ve tried and failed on your own. You are not alone. Others have been where you are right now and have seen the promised land beyond. Others may also need to know your story of mercy and grace because they are in a valley you’ve been through.

Today is a new day. His mercy and grace are new today. Together in Christ, we can uplift and support each other. Iron sharpens iron. How can we pray for you today?