Kingdom Builders

How often do we really reflect on our role, energy, and effort as God’s Kingdom Builders?

If you have ever built a house, started a business, raised a family, or led a project, you know how much work and coordination it takes. Planning. Preparing. Thinking. Executing. Sometimes what we are building becomes all we can think about.

This past Tuesday, we were blessed to hear Clare DeGraaf speak to a group of us about his story and journey of faith. He reflected on his early career when he was building his business. Like many driven men, he shared how the business consumed his thoughts. During the day, at night, on vacation. Always striving for worldly success and achievement.

Then a cancer diagnosis flipped his world upside down.

He changed his focus and direction, sold his business, and dedicated his efforts toward Christian ministry and Kingdom Building.

It caused us to reflect on one of the core reasons we started Seven24. To create a place where men can build their foundations on something solid. To build lives centered on Jesus Christ and focused on eternity.

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24

Many of you who have attended a Seven24 event have picked up one of our t-shirts. If you do not have one yet, stop by the BPV office and grab one. Guys constantly tell us it is the most comfortable shirt they own. Last week, one guy joked that when he wears it to work out, he feels stronger.

On the back of that shirt is Matthew 7:24. Every time we put it on, it reminds us of the foundation we are building as Christian men. A foundation built for God’s Kingdom.

The truth is, none of us can do this alone. Kingdom Building takes all of our gifts, abilities, experiences, and obedience and works them together.

As we head into this week, we encourage you to reflect on a few things.

God Designed You With Purpose

We read recently that the average person has between 500 and 700 different abilities. Think about that for a second.

Every one of those abilities can be used for God’s glory.

Your work.Your hobbies.Your leadership.Your relationships.Your generosity.Your encouragement.Your ability to listen.Your willingness to serve.

Each of our Christian missions looks different, but every one of us has been uniquely designed to make an impact for the Kingdom.

We Serve God By Serving Others

In business today, many leaders talk about “servant leadership.”

But the reality is that God introduced that concept over 2,000 years ago through Jesus Himself.

Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. He turned the other cheek.He served the undeserving. He sacrificed himself for others.

That is leadership.

As men, we should constantly ask ourselves: How can we serve someone this week? How can we lead with humility instead of ego? How can we reflect Jesus in the way we treat others?

We Need God, and We Need Other Men

Kingdom Building is hard work.

First, we need to spend time in God’s Word and in prayer. We need wisdom, discernment, strength, and direction. Left on our own, we drift toward comfort, distraction, pride, and self-reliance.

But through God’s strength, we are renewed.

Second, we need brothers around us.

Men who challenge us. Encourage us. Hold us accountable. Pray for us. Walk beside us.

We cannot do this alone.

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:33

This past week also caused us to reflect deeply on our time and resources.

As Christians, we know everything we have is ultimately a blessing from God.

Our careers, homes, abilities, finances, relationships, and opportunities all belong to Him first.

So how much is appropriate for us to enjoy ourselves versus use for Kingdom impact? Honestly, it is a question we continue to wrestle with ourselves.

Our prayer this week is that God continues to shape our hearts and minds toward His Kingdom. That we would build our foundations on the Rock, Jesus

Christ, who saved and redeemed us.

Let’s go make a difference this week, gents.

-Bill & Jeremy