Introduction

The concept of "Building with Intention" in the Bible encompasses both the physical act of constructing structures and the spiritual act of building one's life and community according to God's purposes. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the importance of aligning human endeavors with divine will.

Old Testament Foundations

In the Old Testament, building projects often carried significant spiritual and communal implications. The construction of the Tabernacle and the Temple are prime examples of building with divine intention. In Exodus 25:8-9, God instructs Moses, "And they are to make a sanctuary for Me, so that I may dwell among them. You must make it according to all that I show you—the pattern of the tabernacle as well as the pattern of all its furnishings." This directive underscores the importance of following God's precise instructions in building projects, ensuring that they serve His purposes and facilitate His presence among His people.

The account of Nehemiah further illustrates intentional building. Nehemiah, upon hearing of Jerusalem's broken walls, is moved to action. His efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem were not merely about physical restoration but also about spiritual renewal and protection for the community. Nehemiah 2:17-18 records his rallying call: "Then I said to them, 'You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.' And I told them how the hand of my God had been upon me for good, and also the words that the king had spoken to me. They replied, 'Let us start rebuilding.' So they began this good work."

Wisdom Literature

The wisdom literature of the Old Testament also speaks to the theme of building with intention. Proverbs 24:3-4 states, "By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with every precious and beautiful treasure." This passage highlights the necessity of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge in the process of building, whether it be a physical structure or a life of faith.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ uses the metaphor of building to teach about the foundation of a life grounded in His teachings. In Matthew 7:24-25, He declares, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock." Here, Jesus emphasizes the importance of building one's life on the solid foundation of His words, ensuring stability and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of building with intention in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, he writes, "By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one must be careful how he builds. For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ." Paul underscores the necessity of building upon the foundation of Christ with care and intentionality, recognizing that the quality of one's work will be tested.

Spiritual and Communal Implications

Building with intention extends beyond individual endeavors to encompass the collective life of the church. Ephesians 2:19-22 speaks to the communal aspect of building: "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the cornerstone. In Him the whole building is fitted together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together into a dwelling place for God in His Spirit." This passage highlights the church as a spiritual edifice, constructed with Christ as the cornerstone and believers as integral parts of the structure.

Conclusion

The biblical theme of building with intention calls believers to align their physical and spiritual endeavors with God's purposes. Whether constructing a physical structure, building a life of faith, or contributing to the communal life of the church, intentionality rooted in divine guidance is paramount.