Except The Lord Build It

There are many treasures placed at the feet of mankind, all of which are given for the glory of God, and the happiness of mankind. One of the greater blessings, honor, and/or treasures is that of a well founded, God established home! May we start with a Scripture found in Psalms. “Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” (Psa.127:1). A full understanding of the text is not the building of a dwelling place or house, rather the point is that of the home. The very first thing is the word “except”. Meaning if and only if it is the way presented in the Scriptures. Therefore, we see that much sorrow, heartache, and great disappointments come as a result of people trying to establish their home without taking God into consideration. It becomes a very sad situation to notice how many young couples start in business of building a home knowing little to nothing and caring less about what God has taught on the subject. Years go by, and one day they realize that their building or marriage has been contrary to the Holy Scriptures, and find it most difficult to rebuild so as to meet the Lord’s approval. What can we say? Without God it is in vain! It has always been that way, and will continue to be that way.

We are very interested in our homes being approved of God, and we are just as interested in making sure we are following the Scriptures when we establish a congregation of the Lord’s people. It therefore will be without argument that people who go forth to establish a congregation without taking God into consideration labor in vain. There are many religious groups who make their own laws, carry on their work and worship the way it pleases them, and as their conferences have ordered. All they do is done without any authority from God. To this God has made it clear that “There is a way which seemeth right unto man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” (Prov.14:12). Jesus declared “in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” (Matt.15:9). Yet, in spite of all the Scriptures that sound the warning, man is determined to do as he pleases and think that there is no reason why God would be opposed to what they are doing, and it never occurred to them that all they do must be done in harmony with God’s revealed will.

Therefore, we conclude that everything we do must be guided by Holy Writ! This is a commandment from God Almighty, and must not be ignored. “Whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Col.3:17). Amen!

. . . . Fred House