All men desire to be builders; to make something from nothing is incredibly rewarding for a man and provides deep validation to his soul.

Like clockwork, the old white van would pull up each morning around six-thirty; the horn announcing its arrival. Opening the door, I was met with the sound of talk radio and the familiar scent of cigars. A simple ‘Good morning’ was exchanged, before pulling off and heading to the worksite.

This was my Monday to Friday for a number of years. For me, a filler job after finishing school; For him, a means to stay active and pocket some extra cash. While there was just the two of us, we made it work. What I lacked in ability, I made up for in work ethic. Where he lacked energy, he more then made up for with wisdom.

From time to time, he would call me over to teach a new skill. When he did, he insisted I practice it on the job; patiently guiding and supporting me through my countless mistakes.

There were talks of our lives throughout the day; at times very deep and meaningful ones. But always while working, because if I wasn’t constantly doing something, he would half jokingly quip…

‘What am I paying you for?’

Years later, this comment would take on a new meaning for me.

I had been attending a small group that focused on self-improvement. At each meeting, there would be plenty of discussion about how to overcome hardships and build our lives on a solid foundation.

It was during one of these sessions, that I can clearly remember hearing that phrase in my mind, ‘what am I paying you for?’ 

In the moment, it made no sense to me; but I couldn’t stop thinking about it… I was haunted by it as the night concluded. What was the connection between my old job as a labourer, and the circle I found myself sitting in?

Over the coming weeks, I would begin to make the connection; but what I discovered would challenge me in ways I never could have expected. 

This type of group setting was an environment I had become very familiar with over the years; not unlike my time working, where I became accustomed to various job sites. 

In both scenarios I was routinely given tools and instruction to improve as a builder; be it of a fence or my faith. 

The real difference being that at the work site, I was expected to put the tools to use and make visible progress each day; with clear expectations to be met. However in the small group, while we talked a whole lot about things, there was no means to see visualize what, if any, progress was being made. 

For sure, the head knowledge I was acquiring was helpful. The problem was when attempting to put things into practice, I made a real mess, because I had no hands-on experience. There was a gap between my head and my heart that needed to be bridged.

With no one by my side to direct me, I would doubt my abilities at every turn; throwing off my tool belt regularly, not to be picked up again until next weeks meeting when I would put on an act, talking like I was a skilled tradesman. It was a disingenuous cycle to be stuck in; one that lacked any real resemblance of a firm foundation.

Hence the question of if I was earning my pay. 

In reflecting on the steep price and sacrifice God paid for me; I realized that in return, He desires… dare I even say, expects to see some progress in our lives. He doesn’t demand perfection, but calls us to show up every day and be willing to do what is asked.

I had lost sight of the deep spiritual work that was needed in and around me; allowing myself to believe that surface level discussion was enough.

Meanwhile, the building sites of my life, would sit idle; waiting for me to put hammer to nail, because knowledge and faith alone wouldn’t get the job done.

James 2:17 puts it like this…“faith without works is dead” and this was absolutely true; my so-called faith was but a word, in need of hard work to be made alive.

It was a Call to Action

As for my old workmate; we eventually parted ways, me to pursue a career and him to relocate cross country in retirement. Soon after, I came to hear of his passing. His wife would share that I was the last one he worked with, and he valued our time together… a sentiment I wholeheartedly shared. 

I realized that it was never about the money with him; if it was, he wouldn’t have invested so much time in me. The reality is, I didn’t benefit him, I actually cost him. Sure, he hired me to do some heavy lifting, but far greater, he desired to see progress in me. It wasn’t about construction as much as it was about character building. 

Likewise, God’s Kingdom will be built regardless of our abilities; but He desires us to take part in the work. Throughout the process, He will renovate us from within; establishing His foundation to build upon.

If we are willing to labour for Him, He will make something from nothing; showcasing His great workmanship in our lives.