Becoming a Student of Mankind

The Wise Master Builder (Part 24)

A plan in the heart of a man is like deep water, But a man of understanding draws it out. (Proverbs 20:5)

A modern proverb says, “We do what’s inspected, not what’s expected.” And just like other proverbs, although not absolute, it is a good general description of the human heart. Understanding the human condition and its tendencies is essential to being a Master Builder. We must study those that we plan to help and train. We intensely observe their personalities, their pasts, their dreams, and their values. To do less would only be naive and lead to some gross miscalculations in the disciplemaking process.

This is why it is so important to make appropriate application of grace and truth in a person’s life. They need both! Giving a person grace without the truth is actually a form of unintended hate. It denies the person of the knowledge and accountability needed to glorify God. Presenting truth without grace crushes the spirit under the weight of perfection and inability to ever measure up to its standard. Jesus came full of grace and truth and we’d do well to do the same. (Jn 1.14, 17)

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved

Who are We Working With?

The Wise Master Builder (Part 23)

… He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man. (John 2:24-25)

Spiritual transformation is more a restoration than a new building project. We are presented with the special challenges of working with both the old and the new. Jeremiah was instructed to, “pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” (Jer 1.10) There’s a bit of demolition happening in a person’s life as we simultaneously construct newness in thought and deed. This makes the builder’s job a little more complex as he multi-tasks and studies the many needs of an individual. There’s a need to prioritize the spiritual work being done in a person’s life. For example, getting them in the Word multiplies and personalizes the restoration process. As you can see, the complexities of building truth in a person’s life requires patience, endurance, and grace. The bottom line: a Master builder must know who he is working with and be able to adapt appropriately. The job may seem daunting, but the Great Master Builder is always with us (Mt 28.20).

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© 2008, 2009 Following Jesus by Chuck Wood All Rights Reserved