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Unless the LORD Builds the House

Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain (Psalm 127:1a).

Christian, whatever you do--whatever you build--is futile without the Master Builder.  Your blood, sweat, and tears are lost in the dirt without the plans, materials, and empowering of the Arch Architect.  Without the grace and wisdom of God making your efforts effectual, they are shallow and vain.  Did we in our own strength confide, says Luther, our striving would be losing.

You can build a business, a family, or even a church, but it means nothing without the Father.  You can create a following, but it is transient without the Great Guide.  You can build a life, but it will soon be forgotten without the Creator's gaze.  Human ambitions can only build human institutions.  Carnal methods and strategies can only grant carnal success.  

If you want to build something eternally meaningful--a truly Godly legacy--you must consult the LORD every step of the way.  You must examine your intentions and motivations--always mixed--and beg God to cleanse you of selfish ambition (Phil 2:3).  Anything that stands through the strength of man will soon fall.

The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

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