A time to tear down and a time to build up. Ecclesiastes 3:3 (NLT)
We might be inclined to think that tearing down is negative, and building up is positive. It is a reasonable conclusion, but reality is more complicated. Ecclesiastes tells us that there is a time, or a season for every activity. Sometimes things need to be torn down before it is possible to build up.
Chip Gaines of Fixer Upper fame loves demolition day. He knows that you must tear down some walls in order to build toward the vision. In the original Hebrew, the words translated “tear down” mean “to cause to fall or collapse, break down, pull down.” The contrasting term “build up” refers to “develop, enlarge, construct, or increase by degrees or in stages.”
In urban redevelopment or renewal, old and crumbling buildings must first be torn down before new ones can be built up. In his time, Solomon was an expert builder. He would have been well acquainted with the need to tear down and remove structures to make room for new ones.
The same principles of tearing down and building up apply to our spiritual lives. This should be unthinkable to believe that we can merely add Jesus to our lives and not remove, tear down, and destroy the corrupt beliefs and activities of our sinful nature. In the natural, and the spiritual, there is a time to tear down, and a time to build up.
A New Creation
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
In the early centuries of the church, if Christians had been willing to just “add Jesus” to a panoply of other gods they would not have endured as much persecution. Jesus wants an exclusive relationship. We remember his words: “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. John 14:6 (NLT)
The world offers a concept of a “open relationship.” It conveys the idea of non-exclusiveness. This is not true of the relationships that God wants to have with us. You must worship no other gods, for the Lord, whose very name is Jealous, is a God who is jealous about his relationship with you. Exodus 34:14 (NLT)
In the natural and the spiritual, there is the inclination to preserve some things because of their historic or sentimental attachments. While we can see the value in designating something as a historical landmark, there is nothing in our old nature worth preserving.
We are God’s new creation, and we must be ruthless in the eradication of former things. So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. Colossians 3:5 (NLT)
We cannot afford to designate anything in our old nature to be spared from destruction. The new life that Christ has for us is far superior to anything in our old life. That is why we repent and put to death the things of our old nature. We must make room for the new.
We Are God’s Building
And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God. 1 Peter 2:5 (NLT)
Not only are we God’s building, but he is also the one who is building us into his spiritual temple. Even more amazingly, he shares the task of building with us. Paul said: For we are both God’s workers. And you are God’s field. You are God’s building. Because of God’s grace to me, I have laid the foundation like an expert builder. Now others are building on it. But whoever is building on this foundation must be very careful. 1 Corinthians 3:9–10 (NLT)
The most important part of any building is its foundation. Although the foundation is not visible, its strength determines the size and longevity of the building. Jesus gave us the parable of the wise and foolish builder. The wise builder dug down deep in order to lay his foundation on the solid rock.
A solid foundation's value becomes evident when dealing with earthquakes and storms. Its worth is demonstrated during these events. We must be careful not to judge anything before it is tested. The foolish builder invested his resources in what was visible. At first, what he was building seemed more impressive. The wise builder did not have as much to show at first, but it would last.
Build Each Other up!
But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, Jude 20 (NLT)
There is a time to tear down, and a time to build up. It can be difficult to tear things down. Sentiment and nostalgia are enemies of progress. Why do we want to cling to our dirty, filthy rags, when Jesus wants to give us new clothes. Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires. Romans 13:14 (NLT)
Finally, we must recognize our responsibilities to each other. We need each other whether we realize it or not. Letting go of the old nature can be hard because it is comfortable and familiar. When God wants us to give something up, it is so that he can give us something better.
When we are in a healthy community, we are not merely looking out for our own interests, but for the interest of others. As Paul said: So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NLT). When we gain the perspective that the tearing down of the old makes room for the new, we will see how much God has prepared for us.
Steve Ekeroth