I began my teaching career as a speech teacher. One of the assignments was an Informative speech. In one particular class I had a “mature” student named Jake who had been a field inspector before deciding to enter the ministry. He did his speech on construction and brought in a Handbook he used on the job.

I found the aspects of field inspection to be remarkably similar to the principle of “building” in the Christian life. Here are a few excerpts from that book with the appropriate parallels.

Preface

“The basic purpose of this Handbook is to provide a tool to assist in converting the design of a structure into a completed facility by providing the inspector with the guidelines to assure that the contractor’s performance conforms fully and in details with the intent of the Designer.”

Our Handbook as the Bible—our contract, covenant, testament, agreement—with our Designer (Creator and Redeemer) who provides us with guidelines by which we are to build our lives.

Conditions at the building site:

Areas available for the contractor’s use.

“All areas” should be available for our Designer and Builder’s use.

Romans 12: 1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minds, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Maintenance of site, cleanup, and debris removal, and general housekeeping.

If there is debris at the site, there is a plan for removing it, so the work is not hindered.  

I John 1: 9 ~If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sings, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Provisions for cooperation with other contractors.

We don’t build alone. Fellow believers are working alongside.

Ephesians 4: 16~ From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Hebrews 10:24~ And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works.  

First Aid Provisions

If we are “injured on the job,” there is a plan and procedure for our healing and return to active work. 

I Peter 5:10. But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that he have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

Psalm 71: 20-21. Thou which has shewed me great and sore troubles, shalt quicken me again, and shalt bring me up again from the depths of the earth. Thou shalt increase my greatness, and comfort me on every side.  

Field Office Provisions

The “Manager” of our field office here on earth makes sure we have all tools and training to equip us for the work.

II Peter 1-3. According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue.

II Corinthians 9:8. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that he, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.

No man is born into the world whose work

Is not born with him; there is always work,

And tools to work withal, for those who will.

—James Russell Lowell

Ephesians 2:10, 20-22. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together growth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.