There is …a time to tear down and a time to build. Ecclesiastes 3:1a,3b, NIV

 

It would be very boring if my life always stayed the same. Change is needed where there should be healthy growth. Growth always has two dimensions – on the one hand, there is a process of leaving what is behind you and, on the other hand, reaching out to what is new and better. This is also what is happening in our spiritual life when the Holy Spirit helps us to become holy. Paul calls it the putting off of the old man in us and the putting on of the new self in Christ (Ephesians 4:17-24).

 

What do we need to tear down in our lives? We need to tear down everything that has served its purpose, that which has become obsolete or worn out, those things in my life that are not good for me or the people around me. We all have ways of thinking that are not working for us anymore. We may have habits that are destructive for our own bodies or for the environment around us. We may use words that are destructive and come across negatively to those who listen to us. These things compel us to spend time daily with God in our quiet place. We need some time for the Holy Spirit to guide us and show us the words, thoughts, deeds and habits that do not belong in our lives as children of God. We need to tear those down with the help of God. You can change, with the power that God provides.

 

What do we need to build in our lives? We are masterpieces under construction! The Spirit of God is building in our lives, so that we may be transformed more into the image of Christ (2 Corinthians 3:18). He teaches us to think in a new way. We are called to “set our minds on the things above …” (Colossians 3:2). A new way of thinking leads to new words – we speak in a different manner; our words are sweet to those who hear them (Proverbs 16:24). New thoughts and new words lead to new deeds that glorify God. And so, with the help of God the Spirit, we are building a new life to the glory of God!

 

Yes, you may use this verse as a reason to tear down those old walls in your garden, or any old thing that has served its purpose. You may get rid of the obsolete stuff in your life and get a vibrant joy-giving alternative in its place!

 

Prayer: Lord, I give you my permission to tear down anything in my life that is not from you. Help me to conquer all those old thoughts, words and deeds that do not belong in my life. Build up my life according to your plan and let me be more Christ-like, to your glory. Amen.