When my wife and I were raising our boys, it wasn’t always easy to find quality television programing that aligned with our belief system and philosophy of life. PBS was always a great go-to channel, and one of our favorites was Bob The Builder. Bob was a problem solver and got things done with a positive attitude. In each episode, Bob and his group help with renovations, construction, and repairs and with other projects as needed. The show emphasizes conflict resolution, co-operation, socialization, and various learning skills. Bob’s catch phrase is “Can we fix it?”, to which the other characters respond with “Yes we can!”
Don’t we all wish that we had a friend like Bob that can think outside the box and help us fix things around our house or business? I have a fence gate that won’t latch correctly because it’s leaning due to ground settling. I wish Bob could come over and fix it.
Romans 15:2
When writing to the Roman church, Paul asked the believers to be Bob the Builders in each other’s lives. Well, maybe not literally, but he did challenge them to build each other up in the Lord. He said, “We should help others do what is right and build them up in the Lord” (Romans 15:2, NLT).
Another word often used here is “edify.” It means to increase the potential of someone with focus on the process involved. This another great thing that Bob the Builder taught our kids. You don’t just fix the problem that you see. You involve others in the process and you fix it together.
We don’t just want them to do what’s right, be better, or be happy. We want to be a part of the process of the their growing and learning. This takes relational equity and builds community. It’s not just enduring their shortcomings, being patient in their immaturity, or bearing their burdens. It’s being willing to encourage growth even when it means tearing the fence down, so that it can be rebuilt correctly.
“Can we fix it? Yes we can.”
When we continue reading the next few verse we discover HOW.
- We allow Scripture to teach us on the process. Verse four tells us, “For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.”
- Pray. Verse five records a prayer of sorts that Paul offered up for them. “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.”
- Worship. Whenever you see a “so that” statement you can see what the preferred outcome was focused on. “So that with one ind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Glorifying God with our life is always the goal. However, at time we struggle with broken things in our lives. At other times there will be those around us dealing with broken things in their own life. This is why we bear with the failing of the weak. This is why we help those who are struggling to do what is right. Continue reading the chapter and discover for yourself the results of being Bob the Builder in the lives of others. Then remember, there will be times when you will need a Bob the Builder in yours.
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Romans 15:13, NIV).
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