For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:9-11

It’s a well-know fact that I am not “handy.” I have a missing gene, or a broken chromosome, or some other root-level malfunction that seems to work against success in even the simplest operation involving tools, plumbing, electricity, or suchlike.

Rebekah, on the other hand, has been known to roll up her sleeves and give pretty much anything a try. She once demolished and reconstructed the entire master-bathroom – including tile, cabinets, plumbing, backer-board, drywall, and more. One famous moment saw her sweating a pipe, blow-torch in hand, phone tucked under her chin while her plumber brother Joe talked her through the operation.

“Holy cow!” our son Andrew said, “you let mama use a blowtorch?”

Anyway, other than painting, watching HGTV, and changing light-bulbs, there’s not that much in the way of home improvement it’s wise to let me get involved with.

However, I have been paying close attention during this kitchen remodel, and I’ve already learned a few interesting principles that have – I believe – wider applications.

It turns out there’s a very specific order in terms of what piece of the puzzle goes together next:

1. First we had to have a plan, order all the appliances, give the model numbers to the contractor, and approve the overall kitchen design.
2. Demolition went down while we were in Italy, filling up one of those huge metal construction bins and most of the garage.
3. Then the electrician came in and spent a day “roughing in” wires, electrical boxes, outlets, can lights, and more. He even had to go back to the main electrical box and do something with the power supply.
4. Then came the first of several inspections, in response to the permitting. Certain standards have to be checked-off by the city of Wake Forest before the project can move forward.
5. Next up was the sheet rock crew. These guys are artists, and they transformed the space from a wrecking-ball disastor-site to something vaguely resembling a possible kitchen.
6. Yesterday was the noisiest so far, with a crew installing hardwood flooring.
7. Today is already calibrated chaos and more, with the flooring folk finishing up, the sheet rock guys finessing their work, and the cabinetmaker beginning his part of the install.
8. Sometime over the next couple of weeks (maybe) the granite folk will template and install the countertops.
9. Eventually the contractor will hook up the appliances, and the electrician should install the lighting (we’re going from three dim lights to a total of nine carefully placed cans and pendants, plus under-the-counting illumination and one standing lamp in the nook.
10. Last will be what they call “finish” and “trim,” involving back-splash, paint, “oops” redo’s and a hundred other little things.

MY POINT? OK. It’s quite possible I’ve left out some important details. But what I’m getting at is how critically important it is to take care of foundational issues first, then move forward, layer by layer, with thought, with imagination, and with care.

We understand this as regards to construction, and remodeling; but when it comes to matters of faith we often flit around without any sense of direction or coordination at all:

• Attend church haphazardly;
• get involved with a Bible-study every few years, maybe;
• pray on Sundays, sometimes before meals, and/or when we’re sad or upset;
• maybe read a devotional thought someone forwards by email;
• no regular plan or pattern of giving;
• read the church newsletter when it crosses our mind and -“did you see that?” – something looks interesting and we get involved for a couple of weeks;
• ask God’s help when we’re desperate, but seldom get God involved at the ground level when we’re making our plans;
• buzz around the church with renewed excitement when something out of the ordinary happens… then settle back into other routines….

But, if we want something vital, and transformational, and truly remarkable, then the only way to engage this life of faith is as a deliberate, intentional, disciple of Jesus.

Let’s start at the beginning. Tell God, now, that you are from this moment a Follower of the Living Way of Jesus; attend church this weekend, and make a point of renewing your commitment to the (imperfect but faithful) community of believers; then begin the process of remodeling, one careful piece at a time.

Believe me, it’s going to be better than a new kitchen – DEREK