Built Different
Have you ever worked hard to fix something in life—relationships, careers, purpose—only to feel like it’s still falling apart. Our efforts fall flat when we’re not building with God or for God. Whether we’re chasing the wrong goals, surrounding ourselves with the wrong people, or trying to carry it all alone, the result is the same: exhaustion without fruit. But when we build on God’s love, root ourselves in His Word, engage with our church community, and walk together we find purpose, peace, and progress that actually lasts.
KEY VERSES:
- Psalm 127:1–2
- Proverbs 13:20
- 1 Kings 18–19
- Exodus 2–3
- John 4
- John 21
- Genesis 32
- Haggai 1:3–6
- Matthew 6:25–33
- Ephesians 3:17–19
- Joshua 1:8
- Psalm 1
- 1 Corinthians 12:4–7
- Ephesians 2:21–22
- Romans 10:9–10
HIGHLIGHTS:
- The Dodge Neon – a lesson in misdiagnosis and wasted effort
- Main Scripture: Psalm 127:1–2 — “Unless the Lord builds the house…”
- Core Problem: You can work really hard and still have nothing to show for it if you’re not building what God wants, how God wants.
- Four Ways We Waste Energy Building Wrong:
- 1. Working in the Wrong Direction: Pursuing someone else’s dream or image instead of God’s purpose for you
- 2. Working on the Wrong Stuff: Focusing on the outside while ignoring what’s going on inside
- 3. Working with the Wrong Motives: Trying to prove your worth or get approval instead of trusting God’s grace
- 4. Working with the Wrong People: The people around you may be holding you back—or maybe you’re trying to do it all alone
- Biblical Examples:
- Elijah (1 Kings 18–19) — Burned out and needed God’s gentle voice
- Moses (Exodus 2–3) — Took things into his own hands and had to wait
- Woman at the Well (John 4) — Looked for love in the wrong places
- Peter (John 21) — Fished all night with no success until Jesus stepped in
- Jacob (Genesis 32) — Wrestled with God and left with a limp
- God’s people (Haggai 1:3–6) — Working hard but nothing to show for it
- Jesus’ teaching (Matthew 6:33) — Seek God’s kingdom first
- Four Ways God Calls Us to Build:
- 1. Build Rooted in Love: Ephesians 3:17–19 – Start with God’s love
- 2. Build on His Word: Joshua 1:8, Psalm 1 – Stay grounded in Scripture
- 3. Use Your Gifts in the Local Church: 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 – We’re all part of the body
- 4. Build Together: Ephesians 2:21–22 – Don’t try to do this alone
- Final Challenge: Reevaluate what you’re building. If it’s not working, it’s time to build with God—His way, for His purpose, in His strength.
TALK ABOUT IT:
- What’s something in your life you’ve been “working on” that still feels broken?
- Have you ever realized you were building in the wrong direction? What changed?
- Are your efforts rooted in seeking God—or proving yourself to others?
- Who are the “builders” around you? Are they lifting you up or holding you back?
- What’s one step you could take to deepen your relationship with God this week?
- How can being involved in your church community help you build better?
- What’s something you’ve been trying to do alone that you need to invite others into?
APPLY IT:
- Ask yourself: Am I building what God wants or what I want?
- Do a heart check—are your motives for success grounded in love or approval?
- Prioritize personal time in God's Word this week.
- Get involved at church by serving or using your gifts.
- Reach out to someone you trust and let them walk with you—don’t go it alone.
- Let God lead the next step—don’t force progress out of fear or comparison.
Born and raised in Schuylkill County, Josh is passionate about Grace being a church that reaches the entire county. He drives the vision, content, clarity, and leadership cohesion at our church. Josh loves old Harleys, fly-fishing, and Philly sports, but not nearly as much as a he loves spending time with his family.