By Rick Laymon, CFP®

Starting in about the sixth grade, I became fascinated with the field of architecture. As a boy who grew up in public housing, I loved seeing beautifully designed homes with exquisite craftsmanship on TV and in glossy magazines. In fact, I was the only kid I knew who had his own subscription to Architectural Digest. Sometimes I even got to visit these marvelous homes, as we did once on a rare vacation to Savannah, GA. I dreamed in high school of someday designing them myself as a career. For the last 22 years, as a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, I have enjoyed the privilege of guiding clients with building their very own dreams – their financial houses, so to speak. Which brings me to this week’s focus scripture:

“Unless the Lord builds the house,
 those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
 the watchman stays awake in vain.”

~ Psalm 127:1

Whether talking about a physical structure, or a spiritual house as King Solomon was here, or financial houses in my profession – What does this passage teach us about how and what we are building?

First, it is the LORD himself who is the source and provider all that is needed for the job, “But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth” – Deuteronomy 8:18. Without his provision and protection, the project will not ultimately succeed. Moses knew this all too well when he declared in Exodus 33:15, “If your presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.” In other words, if the LORD’s blessing is not in it, our own human efforts are futile in producing the desired results.

That is exactly why we seek to avoid investing in companies that are involved in activities that dishonor the LORD – namely companies in the abortion industry, pornography, companies that exploit human addiction and companies that promote anti-family agendas. How can a holy God who blesses his children with every good and perfect gift need us to choose those as our building materials?

Second, we must remember our chief purpose in building anything. When we build a custom home, or a stock portfolio, a small business or a family legacy – the whole point is to build something rock solid that will serve our needs (as well as others) and endure the test of time. Or even better, will last well beyond our lifetimes and ripple blessings throughout eternity. Moreover, we do so to bring glory to the LORD. Just as Solomon sought bring glory to the God of Israel in building the Temple, we should be doing likewise in everything that we endeavor to build. Let us be like the wise builders Jesus spoke of in Matthew’s gospel and build our houses upon the rock that is Christ Jesus!

 

Financial Planning & Investment Advisory services offered through Beacon Wealth Consultants, Inc.