2 Chronicles 2:1
“And Solomon determined to build an house for the name of the LORD, and an house for his kingdom.”
There is something exciting when you start building something. I worked in construction as a young man, and I’ve also been a part of building projects in a couple of churches, and there is always an excitement when the ground is broken and the project begins.
Solomon must have been thrilled when he started to build the temple. The temple was his father’s dream, and he had the privilege of helping his dream come to reality. There are five things that Solomon did in building that would be helpful to any Christian’s success in building something for the LORD.
First, you need to determine to build. Solomon had a dream to build a temple. His determination to build the temple caused him to start the project. Christians need to get out of spiritual cruise control and determine they are going to build something for the LORD in their life. Those whom God used mightily throughout history always had the determination to build something for the LORD.
Second, build with the right purpose. Solomon wasn’t building the temple for his name, but he was building “an house for the name of the LORD.” Our purpose in building anything should be to bring glory to the name of the LORD. I’m afraid too many Christians have fallen into Satan’s trap of trying to build their legacy and their kingdom when they should have made their purpose of building something “for the name of the LORD.” Let me ask you, are you building for yourself, or for the LORD? Do you care if your name is ever recognized? Are you striving for name recognition? If you are building for the name of the LORD, you won’t care if you ever get the recognition for what the LORD uses you to build.
Third, begin to build. In 2 Chronicles 3:1, Solomon “…began to build the house of the LORD…” Nothing will ever be built without having the faith to step out. It took faith for Solomon to begin the building process. I know that first step to build is the hardest step to take, but if you listen to faith, you will take that step and see the LORD come through. You will never build anything without taking that first step by faith.
Fourth, build with excellence. Verse 5 says, “And the house which I build is great…” My friend, everything you do for God should not be done with a second-rate effort. When you start building, give it your all. Not only should you give it your all, but never settle for anything less than excellence. God’s work is a great work, and it deserves to be done with excellence.
Fifth, build in the right place. Solomon built the temple “at Jerusalem…,” the place “where the LORD appeared unto David his father.” When you build something for God, be sure you don’t try to look like the world while doing it. It is as important to build in the right place of the old paths as it is to simply build something. Many have taken the mindset while building something for God that the end justifies the means. Yes, God wants you to build, but He wants you to build something the right way.
I challenge you to get ready to build. Use these five tools while building and you will find that the LORD will build something through you in your lifetime.