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Build My Life

July 11, 2018·Abby PreJean

“Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive.”

Aren’t those powerful words, written by the brilliant Lin-Manuel Miranda, penned in his Tony Award-winning musical, Hamilton, about the life, loves and career of Alexander Hamilton.

It was as true in 1789, as it is now in 2018. Things are happening, times are changing, and we’re all trying to keep up.

I love 2018.

Some people don’t like 2018. I mean, hey, there’s a lot going on almost daily. We’re in the thick of infuriating global issues, ever-lingering racism, sexism, and disunity among people from all walks of life. It’s a toughie. But where there’s struggle, there’s also strength.

Every day, we must ask ourselves the question, “How am I making myself available for Jesus to use me today?” This especially hit home (literally) as I was reading Proverbs 14 this week.

Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands.”

I believe this could go for just about anybody. When the wise King Solomon references a house, he is referring to our lives. In our time in history, it’s important to remember that we start with ourselves first. If wisdom is the foundation of our homes/lives, our foundation will be sturdy. What wise choices are you making today? Are you watching the words of your mouth (or the words of your fingers – Facebook matters too), or the agenda of your heart?

As a side note to this verse: Ladies, we set the atmosphere for our home. When we ask the Holy Spirit to help transform us, our home, by default, starts to be transformed. And a home does not automatically include a husband, children and a dog. A home is anywhere you lay your head; a home is where you have investment.

How many times have we inadvertently (or maybe sometimes on purpose) torn down our spouses or children? How often do we tear ourselves down? Death and life, pain and joy, are in the power of the tongue. It starts with how we love ourselves. If we love ourselves the way God created us to, then loving others will, in turn, be easier. Because, WE are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for the things He’s called us to do (Ephesians 2:10).

Every day is unwritten. Every single day, we get an opportunity to change ourselves, the way we treat others and, as a result, change the world we live in. We are empowered to impact our circles of influence, whatever environment we’re in. If we could grasp how firmly and securely we’re placed in the Father’s hands, we would understand the magnitude of the words, “We are God’s workmanship.” We are His, we are made in the image of a Father who loves us with a love that is everlasting. It’s not a temperamental or subjective love, it is a love that is constant and firm. We are to build our lives and our homes on this firm truth, and we are to bask in this sweet reminder.

Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive.

Abby PreJean

The Church on the Way