The friends I stay with live in the area of 135^th and Antioch, causing me to take 69 Highway to and from work every day.  The last few weeks I've seen a variety of different changes along this stretch of highway, the numerous orange and white cones, the concrete barriers, construction workers in the median, and dirt moving equipment.  There are also signs strategically placed announcing when lane closures are going to happen, or even when a whole section of highway will be barricaded.  No matter where one lives, summer brings out the men and women in orange vests and hard hats as they work to expand our nation's highways or fix the potholes that literally seem to emerge overnight.   

The highways are not the only things that undergo construction projects.  As we look around our neighborhoods, we may see office buildings and houses being built, or the installation of new shingles, siding, or windows.   We may also view  the application of paint to the exterior of houses, protecting them from the outside elements.

Our bodies are also going through a daily construction project whether we want to admit it or not!  Think how much you have changed since the day you were born.  You have grown taller and gained some poundage since then.  The skin you had then has long since been replaced with new.  The increase of wrinkles, the appearance of grey hair or the disappearance of hair, are just a few other outward signs of the construction project going on.  And thankfully, the cuts and scrapes we've acquired over time have healed through God's miraculous power.  

We may see lots of construction projects in the world around us, but the most important construction project is the one that we do not see, but one that is felt in the heart.  Through prayer, Bible study, and worship the Holy Spirit is building upon the firm foundation of our spiritual life where Christ is the cornerstone, and we work with Him and each other to build the whole Christian church on earth.   

However, we can also encourage and welcome the help of a construction member in disguise, who promises great results, but whose motives are destructive.  He enjoys the fighting, the nasty thoughts, and the lack of communication among the crew.  He wants nothing more than to pull out the nails, unscrew the bolts, or to splinter the wood so he can destroy the construction project God has placed His time and love into building.  

How fortunate we are to have Christ's love to bring all the pieces back together.  He is the glue in the whole construction project that holds us firmly in a relationship with God.  As Satan is working on creating potholes of greed, pride, and jealousy, Christ fills in the holes with contentment, a spirit of giving, and faithfulness.  During the times Satan is there with dynamite to blow up the bridge which connects us with God, Christ is there to rebuild the connections.  When Satan installs the barricades and orange cones, Christ knocks them aside to keep the path open to the Father.  

Who do you wish to have as the crew chief of your heart?  The destroyer or the builder?  I pray that you remain on the right road, the road that may be narrow, but brings everlasting rewards.  

Enjoying the ride,