Parallels: Home and Spiritual Renovation—Solid Framing (part 2)

(This is part of a continuing 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)

As we continued the long process of completing the lower level of our house, it was essential to know and follow the guidelines of wall framing.  Structural framing is the skeleton of home construction, and walls are an essential part of the bones of a house.  There are many components of framing that have striking parallels to our spiritual life. Here are just a few:

1)    The bottom plate: This is the base of where all the upright wood studs start. It’s important to use pressure-treated lumber on the bottom plate to guard the wood from rotting if exposed to water. Construction adhesive, screws, nails, or anchors are needed to bind the plate to the existing floor.

In our faith journey, here are a few good questions to ask:

·      What is God leading me to do to strengthen my ties to Him?

·      Are there areas of my life that make me vulnerable to spiritual decay? If so, what is God asking me to do about these?

·      Are the plans I am making founded on Christ?

·      How can I be better joined with God in the plans He has for me?

·      Can I see God’s hand in strengthening me for His bigger purpose, even in times of pressure? 

2)    The top plate: This is the framing component that tops the upright wood studs to create a unified wall that will be joined together with other walls, overhead ceiling trusses and the roof structure.

By analogy, our life is not just what is beneath us, but what is above as well. Even as we continue walking this earth, Christ followers also have a part in God’s Kingdom beyond this planet. When we say yes to Jesus, we are not only grounded with Him here, but are joined with other Believers in a dynamic partnership in God’s kingdom work “here on earth as it is in heaven…” 

3)    The king studs, jack studs, and headers: These are typically used for door framing. The jack stud outlines and supports the two upright sides of a door, and the header defines the horizontal top of the door opening.  However, without the strong, floor-to-ceiling king stud the jack stud and header won’t have the strength and stability needed to support the door and its opening.

In our spiritual life, always be aware that we are defined and supported by our relationship with the King: Jesus. When we rely on our own efforts, the walls above and around us will give way. With God’s strength, new openings in life can become doorways for us to pass through—and allow others to enter and experience Him.           

4)    The cripple studs: Even lowly, leftover pieces of lumber can be used as structural spacers between the header of a door and the top plate. They are very important when drywall is later attached to the framed wall.

Similarly, we are all broken, wounded, and imperfect people who God has chosen to be part of His forever family. This is a fact: When we say yes to Jesus Christ our faults and brokenness no longer define us! Instead we are given new life, meaning, and purpose as we abide in and rely on Him. Just like cripple studs, God loves restoring and using people for important works of service far beyond what we can imagine or think possible.

Finally, I can’t overstate the importance of framed walls being level and plumb. “Plumb” means perfectly straight vertically (up and down). “Level” means walls perfectly true from side to side, with no slanting or tilting.  Failure to do this will result in a myriad of problems later, from structural issues to faulty finishes. The healthiest approach to being spiritually plumb and level is simply staying true to our relationship with God. A big part of my relationship with God is to regularly ask Him to check and correct me in my walk with Him and other people.  There are some Psalms that I regularly use in my time with God to ask Him to help me stay plumb and true in my life with Him and other people. Here are two to help you get started:

 Psalm 139:23-24

“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting.”

Psalm 25:4-5:

Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths. Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior,

A strong spiritual framework, like the framing of a house, is essential for building a life with and for God.

God bless you!

Chris Atkins