We took a trip to England and Scotland recently. Some of our time was spent visiting ruins of castles, abbeys, and fortresses.
The sagging, mossy walls with their abrupt openings told of rich histories and of human ingenuity. Strangely, rubble can be meaningful and beautiful!
Standing in a crumbled courtyard reading a sign about the siege that destroyed half the castle, I got to thinking about how little lasts in this life.
Even the wonders of the world that remain for hundreds of years will eventually be obsolete and forgotten.
I was dwelling on John 15 as we traveled, and verse 16 stuck out as we climbed up sloping stone staircases past that sign about the siege:
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
The words “fruit that will last” struck me.
I’m not designing or constructing abbeys, but my days are full of work, activities and relationships that I find meaningful and beautiful. Despite my best efforts though, the only elements of any of what I do that will last are the ones eternal in nature.
It was a good reminder of what matters most and thought-provoking about my priorities.
We’re not here to build cathedrals but to invite into and build up the body of Christ.
Sometimes constructing a physical sanctuary or writing up signs detailing past destruction are part of that. Our work isn’t to be discounted – but the heart behind it and the aim of it is meant to be everlasting.
Praise the Lord that as we follow Him today our effects echo into eternity!
(PS: Not everything pictured is a ruin! Don’t get mad, please ha.)
