Building your spiritual house (Pt.4)

Pt. 4-Cornerstone

“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.”-1 Corinthians 3:9-11

In ancient building practices, the cornerstone (or foundation stone) was the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. All other stones, laid after this one, would be set in reference to this stone, thus determining the position of the entire structure. The foundation stone was “the stone” that aligned the entire structure. 

The Apostle Paul was familiar with this practice when he referred to Jesus as the cornerstone. However, he wasn’t the only one who made this reference. In the book of Isaiah, the prophet refers to the Messiah to come as the cornerstone:

“Therefore, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: “Look! I am placing a foundation stone in Jerusalem, a firm and tested stone. It is a precious cornerstone that is safe to build on. Whoever believes need never be shaken.”-Isaiah 28:16

Just like a physical house, our spiritual house needs a reference point. A stone to which we align our lives. One that is immovable and unshakable. One that is true and does not sway with every wind of doctrine. One that we trust can withstand the storms of life and the test of time. With that in mind, when we are building our spiritual house, we must make certain that our house is being built upon Christ and His word. Without this very important relationship with Christ, our lives will become misaligned and before long we become unsound. 

However, over time and with the advancement of building techniques, the cornerstone became more ceremonial than structural. What once was the very rock upon which a structure was fitted, has now become a showpiece. 

Modern day cornerstones are often placed on the corner of a building and are inscribed with dates of construction and various names including that of the builder or architect. Unfortunately, this modern representation of a cornerstone has become the reality for many believers. Jesus has become more of a ceremonial stone, rather than a structural support upon which their lives are rooted or built upon.  

Obviously the Apostle Paul did not see Jesus as a simple showpiece in our lives, but understood Christ to be foundational to our salvation and spiritual growth.  He, also, understood that it was only after the cornerstone was set that the rest of the foundation could be tied to it. 

Scott Burr

Dayspring Community Church