Approaching Life Like a Master Builder
“For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it,
for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3
I vividly remember the first time I stepped foot into St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome; I was in awe of how everything was beautifully and intentionally designed. How does one even begin to plan and execute the building of such a grand masterpiece? Well, it took a succession of skilled master builders to shape this vision.
In “Maximize Your Potential” by Jocelyn Glei, there is a chapter describing how master builders worked. During the Middle Ages, master builders were key figures in the construction of cathedrals because they were both architects and chief builders, initiating a vision while getting their hands dirty alongside the workers. Cathedrals weren’t built by one master but by a succession of master builders working collaboratively, building upon each other's work. When new master builders get started, they creatively and carefully incorporate and build upon the previous master’s work.
In 1 Corinthians 3, St. Paul says, “According to the grace of God given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But each one must be careful how he builds upon it, for no one can lay a foundation other than the one that is there, namely, Jesus Christ.”
We are called to be master builders of the kingdom of God, building upon the foundation of Jesus. What is beautiful is that throughout our entire life, God continues to partner with us in shaping this vision. How are we currently building our lives upon the firm foundation that is Jesus? In what areas do we need more work?
“Co-creation involves letting go of control… it means building trust… and trusting that together you can build something bigger and more inspiring than you could achieve on your own.”
Mark McGuinness, Maximize Your Potential
Experiencing full creative potential requires co-creation with God and collaborating with others in Christ. How are you being called to co-create a beautiful life with God?
a simple strategy
Invite God into every stage of the process.
God’s plans are way better than our own. He patiently waits for our invitation.
Build upon what is working.
What is already effective in your current process or daily routine? Identify what motivates you and brings you energy, then build upon that. Seek experts who can share their wisdom with you. Most importantly, we have Christ, whom we can imitate through His example in Scripture and in the Saints.
Seek continuous self-improvement/mastery.
Seek ways to strengthen your talents and the practice of virtues. A life with God is a journey of self-mastery, the path to holiness.
Work with a collaborative team.
How can you bring your family together to work more collaboratively? Whose expertise can you leverage to help you with more difficult tasks?
