I studied English literature in college and read lots of Victorian literature. I remember getting lost in those thick novels, fascinated by every detail and description. I was particularly intrigued by Charlotte Bronte’s “Jane Eyre.”
Perhaps this is why I love Victorian homes to this day. I so admire their picturesque beauty, structural grandeur and antique charm.
I have always passed over newer builds in favor of older homes complete with original wood flooring and valuable architectural materials. I find that some of the more modern structures, though outwardly appealing, are frequently constructed using inauthentic and cheaper supplies to reduce costs.
Unfortunately, cutting corners allows architects to build homes more quickly, with external beauty, but no longevity. The end result is that the physical structures just don’t stand the test of time. They need frequent repairs and ultimately, frustrate homeowners who are forced to watch their beloved houses crumble.
Of course modern architecture and quality construction are not necessarily mutually exclusive. There are plenty newer builds that are wonderfully constructed. But for the purpose of this post, we are focusing on the ones which aren't.
As you well know, newer is not always better and all that glitters isn’t gold. But in our “microwave generation,” obsessed with instant gratification and outward infatuation, invaluable things frequently get devalued. The appearance of authenticity and beauty is the focus, not the actual possession of what is real and true.
That’s sad.
The “real thing” costs and many people don’t want to pay the price, not just for natural possessions, but for spiritual growth and development.
But God, our Father, loves us too much to allow us to settle for the appearance of having it all together, when inwardly, we are broken down and continuously crumbling. He knows that true beauty, character and value do not come from dressing up our external being with veneers.
When we submit to Him completely, the Lord perfects us, His creation, from the inside out. He accomplishes this by allowing us to face situations—often challenging—that build our character and transform our inner-man. If we agree to yield to Him, we become the Lord’s personal construction sites. He builds us up, His way, into beautiful vessels of honor.
When He gets finished, we radiate genuine beauty and virtue that nothing and no one in the world can give.
I encourage you to let God build you up, even if it hurts. That means He will tear some things down first. But let Him do it. Otherwise, you will stand the risk of being like the Pharisees that Jesus scolds in Matthew 23:27 NIV. Jesus said, “You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.”
Whoa!
I don’t want to be like that, do you?
I want to be a vessel of honor, living my life according to God’s plan. I want to experience the true joy, peace and satisfaction emanating from a genuine walk with the Savior.
This means letting God build me up His way. It means the same thing for you. That's why I’m stirring Ephesians 2:10 NIV into your cup of inspiration today. It says, “For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
When you drink down the contents of your cup of inspiration, you will be reminded that God is the Master Builder. He's into creating masterpieces that go beyond a stellar outward image. He wants His workmanship to have a matching interior from which His divine works flow.
I am determined to let God do His work and make me a true reflection of His divine nature.
How about you?
Let’s pray together.
Father, I don’t want to just look the part, play the part, or serve You in part. I want to be wholly committed to Your will. Today I submit to You anew and say have Your way in my life. Mold me into the person You would have me to be so I can both live a fulfilled life and fulfill Your divine purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
As always, thanks for reading and until next time... may today's cup of inspiration uplift, encourage, and empower you!
If you need prayer, don't hesitate to request it. I would be honored to stand in faith with You. I know that prayer works. CLICK HERE to learn how to submit your prayer request.
