What is spiritual scaffolding?
Three workers were cutting stone.
When asked what they were doing, the first answered, “I am cutting stone.”
The second said, “I am making a wall.”
The third replied, “I am building a cathedral.”
I was reminded of this great story about vision while in New York City a few weeks ago. We visited many of the tourists’ sites including the beautiful St. Patrick’s Cathedral. As we turned the corner to see its tall spires reach up to heaven, we were surprised to see the outside of the church surrounded by scaffolding. A major renovation was taken place.
We quietly entered its large sanctuary to discover the interior walls encased in more scaffolding. The banner proclaimed, “Restore St. Patrick’s. Be a cathedral builder.”
I sat quietly on one of the pews, starring at the only visible sign of construction: the steel scaffolding engulfing the church’s interior. From a brochure, I learned the work was not cosmetic, but a necessary repair that will ensure that the Cathedral endures for future generations.
Maybe we are all a little like St. Pat’s. Some spiritual scaffolding is necessary to complete God’s work on us.
Our hearts need major renovation to follow God more closely. To hear him more clearly in casting his vision. To be the type of cathedrals he needs in his kingdom. After all we ARE the church.
God is the master carpenter; he holds the blueprint for the completion of our souls.
Spiritual scaffolding reminds me that God is not done with me yet. The process will take a long time – a lifetime – to complete. The foundation of the renovation based on prayer.
Even St Patrick’s recognizes that prayer continues even if scaffolding encircles the church. This banner hung outside the main entrance welcoming both visitors and the rushing people passing by:
So pound away, Lord. Complete the work you have begun within me.
Put as much spiritual scaffolding as needed to renovate me as you wish.
Scrub the grime from the walls of my heart.
Repair the holes that let the world seep in.
Restore me with your strength and refurbish me with your love.
And when this temporary scaffolding is removed, may others only see you.
After all, we aren’t just cutting stone and hammering nails, we are building a cathedral.
What have you seen lately that spoke to you about God?
Thanks Dolly Have a great weekend
I loved reading Dallas Willard and have several of his books. It was powerful sitting in that grand church and looking at all the scaffolding. Thanks for commenting, Lisa
Thank you for your kind comment, Barbara!
Jean,
yes, life long renovation… God is so gracious & patient…what a great analogy 🙂
Yes. What a great spiritual application you make from your visit to St. Pat’s. Dallas Willard wrote a book called “Renovation of the Heart” that you reminded me of. May the Lord do all the work necessary in our hearts today! Thanks for this, Jean.
Oh yes, Lord, pound away…
Loving this, thank you so very much.
Sighing here too! I know just sitting there taking in such a beautiful structure and pondering and talking with God was a highlight of the trip. Thanks Lynn
Thanks Laura. I have heard lots of good comments about this post and I almost didn’t use it. God showed up though even in my doubts
When I remember lifelong renovation, I think I am gentler with myself. Thanks for stopping by.
Your words made my day. I almost didn’t post this one too. Yes feel free to use it in your retreat. I am honored!
That message on the banner was so powerful. I am sure many many people who never go inside that church see that every day and are touched by God. Thanks Colleen
I just love clouds and their reminder of God! A different type of sanctuary.
Another example on how we think alike, Mia!
Ooo…I love that inside shot! Even with the scaffolding. And such a great post! Always an ongoing process in the temple within us, isn’t it? Heaven’s get-ready process! {sigh}
Lovely, Jeanie. Just lovely.
Beautiful! Yes, a lifelong renovation!
I’ve copied your prayer to pray for myself in my quiet times, Jean. And I’d love to use it as part of the SDG retreat. This post meant so much to me. Thank you for being just who you are. I am so grateful you are in my life.
Beautiful post. Love your reflection. Love that banner. I have never been to St Patricks. Thanks for sharing!
Love your concluding poem, Jean, and all the imagery from building cathedrals that applies to the work the Spirit does on our souls. Beautiful AND meaningful!
As Steve and I were traveling home last Friday evening, we enjoyed a glorious display of huge, billowing clouds mounded up to the south. Lit brilliantly by the setting sun, they glowed bright white. God’s creative genius never ceases to fill me with awe!
Hi Jean
This reminds me of the story of Ken Follet, about building the cathedral. I mentioned this a few posts ago. It sure is going to be beautiful once it is finished!
Blessings XX
Mia