Focus on the Contents, not the Container
“This will result in your being witnesses to them.” – Luke 21:13

In Luke 21, Jesus and His disciples are walking through Jerusalem. As they walk and talk, some of the disciples stop in awe as they see a building – the temple. In response to their wonder, Jesus tells them that a time will come when the temple will be destroyed, nations will be at war with other nations, and natural disasters will strike. If that were not troublesome enough, He then tells the disciples, “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you.” (v. 12a)

Now this discussion is becoming personal. I think I would ask, “Now that I have the bad news, is there any good news?” Jesus does not wait to be asked. He gives the good news in the very next verse. “This will result in your being witnesses to them.” (v. 13)
This dialog is very interesting for CPA as we are looking to the future with the vision of a new building on the horizon. It is easy to step back and look in awe at the future. There will be many challenges and much work to see a new building become a reality. While it is not fair to compare a new academic building to the events Jesus is describing, this portion of scripture does make me think about why we desire a new building. It is my prayer that the end result of our efforts will be the same as those Jesus is speaking of – that we would bear witness to our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Our work through the challenges ahead will reveal the true nature of our community and our God. I have told many people that the building project must never become solely focused on bricks and mortar. A building is a container; it is not the contents. The ministry that takes place within the walls, through church and school programs, is what will have lasting significance. A building is just a tool to the greater purpose of demonstrating and proclaiming the Gospel.
Likewise, a building project must not be limited to simply acquiring more buildings. Instead, it is an opportunity to show the watching world that the contents of the container known as Christ Presbyterian Church and Academy are a testimony to God’s faithfulness to His people. May these coming days, weeks, months, and years bear testimony to our complete reliance on our leader, Jesus Christ.