When we build upward without building deeply, cracks form and churches lean dangerously.
Manhattan consists almost entirely of bare granite, a very hard and strong type of rock. To carry the weight of a 75 or 100 story skyscraper, foundations known as “piles” are used. These are concrete or steel columns hammered into the ground with a massive crane until they penetrate solid rock.
Some pilings go twenty-five stories under the ground. The heavy weight of the skyscraper is then distributed through each of the deep “piles” in the ground below. Together they are capable of supporting the structure’s enormous weight.
If the pilings are drilled in poorly, cracks eventually appear in the structure. Entire buildings may lean. Then they must be torn down or lifted completely so the piles can be reset – a costly and time-consuming process.
Why don’t we drill deeply into our own life in Christ, and into the lives of key leaders around us? The answer is simple: It is very hard and very slow work to hammer spiritual pilings into the hard granite of our own lives – let alone into the hard granite of our team.
Think about it.
What are your other choices? How long will it be before the building leans, if it isn’t leaning already?
Pete