Parallels: Home and Spiritual Renovation— Solid Framing

(This is part 4 of a series on what I learned through the process of renovating our home, and the parallels to a life yielded to and experiencing God’s work in renovating our life and spirit)

Once the concrete footings were in place and inspected, we were able to start construction of the “bones” of our 3-season porch and lower-level finishing: the wood framing.

The 3 Season Porch framing process begins at ground level

Four pressure-treated, high-strength support posts were bolted onto the footings using corrosion-resistant anchor boots and high-strength bolts. These posts were strengthened above with additional “Y” bracing to prevent any movement from side to side over time.

In the same way, true Christ-followers are firmly planted on Jesus Christ, whom Scripture calls the Solid Rock. When we are attached to him there is no storm of life that can shake us or tear us away from Him—He is always there, underneath, around, above, and within us. No matter our circumstances, struggles, or emotions, Jesus is the faithful One who holds us together. We will go through hard and uncertain times: this is guaranteed. But Jesus promised that He is always with us and for us! Even when we don’t sense it, He is working all things together for our ultimate, eternal good. He is the faithful, foundational Rock who won’t ever fail or leave us.

Help is needed

I hired an outstanding, competent framing contractor to build the outer shell of our 3-season porch. This was necessary due to the heights involved, and the need for specialized equipment to hoist the floor joists and roof trusses, as well as the necessary workers to install these components. In our lower-level work, I had already marked the locations of the walls and bought the lumber and supplies needed for the project. I was blessed to have a crew of people—my son, son-in-law, brother, and brother-in-law—to assist me in the construction of all walls in our lower level.

Similarly, in our spiritual life there are times when we need other Christ followers to help us in areas that are beyond our abilities, experience, or skill sets.  This means setting aside pride and asking for help. As I look back, I can’t imagine this project being successfully accomplished without the help of many people—this is also true of my life, music, writing, and work.

A Unified Structure

The new 3-season framing was firmly and meticulously tied into the trusses of our existing house, so that the new structure became one with our home. To not tie the new porch into our existing house would have doomed it to eventual sagging or even collapse.

There is an important parallel to our life with God that goes above and beyond any religious performance, personal failures, or background. It is this: when we come into a life-changing, experiential relationship with Jesus Christ, we are grafted into God’s household. We are no longer on our own and apart from God, but have become one with Jesus Christ, regardless of our past or background. If we have not done this, we are missing the reason and purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection: to restore our union with God! This is a deeply personal and intimate connection that ties us to God, through Jesus Christ, for this life and eternity.

When we come into a new union with God, He begins the lifelong process of framing and completing the good work He began in us.

God bless you!

Chris Atkins