Monuments in the Bible often serve as reminders of God’s faithfulness and power. Today, we’ll explore how scripture views the building of monuments and what they represent.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Building A Tower
What Does The Bible Say About Building Monuments
Genesis 11:4
Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”
This verse highlights the human desire for self-importance and the tendency to glorify oneself through grandiose accomplishments. It serves as a reminder that our focus should be on God’s will and not on our own self-exaltation. Building monuments solely for personal gain goes against the humble nature that God desires from us.
Ultimately, it is important to recognize that true significance comes from serving and following God rather than seeking recognition and fame through our own efforts.
1 Kings 9:13
And he said, “What kind of cities are these that you have given me, my brother?” So they were called the land of Cabul to this day.
This verse tells the story of the cities that Hiram, the king of Tyre, gave to Solomon as a gift, but Solomon was not pleased with them. He named these cities “Cabul,” which means “unproductive” or “good-for-nothing.” It serves as a cautionary tale, reminding us that material possessions and earthly structures do not hold lasting value.
Instead of focusing on building monuments, let us focus on building our relationship with God and investing in the things that have eternal significance.
Zechariah 4:7
“Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain! And he shall bring forth the capstone with shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’”
This verse speaks of the power and authority of God to overcome any obstacle or mountain in our lives. It reminds us that it is not our own strength or monuments that bring about transformation and success, but rather the grace and power of God.
When faced with challenges or the desire to build monuments, let us remember to rely on God’s grace and allow Him to bring about change in our lives.
Matthew 7:24
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of building a strong foundation in our lives. Instead of focusing on external monuments or structures, God calls us to build our lives on His teachings and principles.
By following and obeying His word, we establish a firm foundation that will withstand the storms of life. Let us prioritize building a strong spiritual foundation rather than pursuing temporary monuments.
1 Corinthians 3:11
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
This verse reminds us that Jesus Christ is the only true foundation upon which we can build. It is not through physical monuments or achievements that we find eternal worth, but through our relationship with Christ.
When we build our lives on the solid foundation of Jesus, we can experience true fulfillment and purpose. Let us focus on spiritual growth and building a strong relationship with Him.
Ephesians 2:20
“Having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone.”
Here, the Bible describes how the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Jesus Christ as the chief cornerstone. This emphasizes the importance of grounding our faith in the teachings of scripture and the example set by Jesus.
When we align ourselves with biblical principles and rely on Jesus as our cornerstone, our lives become like a monument that reflects His truth and love to the world.
Hebrews 11:10
“For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”
This verse speaks of Abraham’s anticipation of a heavenly city with eternal foundations, designed and built by God. It reminds us that our focus should not solely be on earthly monuments, but on the eternal home that God has prepared for us.
As we live with an eternal perspective, we can invest our time, energy, and resources into building a lasting relationship with God rather than pursuing temporary monuments on earth.
1 Peter 2:5
“You also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.”
In this verse, believers are described as living stones, being built into a spiritual house. It illustrates that our individual lives, when united in Christ, form a greater spiritual structure.
As part of this spiritual house, we have the opportunity to offer up spiritual sacrifices and worship to God. Let us prioritize building our spiritual lives and contributing to the collective growth and strength of the body of Christ.
Proverbs 14:1
“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.”
This proverb speaks to the importance of building and nurturing our homes and families. It emphasizes the value of wise choices, actions, and investments that contribute to the stability and well-being of our households.
Instead of focusing on building external monuments, let us prioritize building strong relationships and fostering a God-centered home environment.
Proverbs 9:1
“Wisdom has built her house; she has set up its seven pillars.”
This verse highlights the importance of wisdom in building a solid foundation. Wisdom is like the architect who designs and constructs a sturdy house with seven pillars, representing completeness and stability.
When we seek wisdom from God and apply it to our lives, we can build and establish a strong foundation that will withstand the tests of time.
Proverbs 22:6
“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.”
This well-known proverb emphasizes the importance of investing in the upbringing and instruction of children. It serves as a reminder that the values and principles we instill in them during their formative years can have a lasting impact.
Let us prioritize building the next generation by teaching them God’s ways, helping them establish a strong foundation of faith, and equipping them to impact the world for Christ.
Proverbs 24:3
“By wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established.”
This proverb reinforces the idea that wisdom and understanding are essential in building a stable and flourishing home. It emphasizes the need for intentional planning, discernment, and knowledge in creating a healthy and thriving environment.
As we seek God’s wisdom and understanding, we can build homes that reflect His love, grace, and truth.
Psalms 127:1
“Unless the Lord builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the guards stand watch in vain.”
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that all our efforts in building and protecting any structure or establishment are in vain without the Lord’s involvement and blessing.
Let us invite God to be the builder and protector of our lives, families, and communities. With His guidance and presence, our efforts will bear lasting and significant fruit.
Psalms 78:69
“And He built His sanctuary like the heights, like the earth which He has established forever.”
In this verse, the building of God’s sanctuary is compared to the heights of the mountains and the foundations of the earth. It emphasizes the enduring and unshakeable nature of God’s work and presence.
When we build our lives in alignment with God’s purposes and worship Him in spirit and truth, we can experience a sense of security, stability, and permanence in His presence.
Psalms 127:3
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb is a reward.”
This verse highlights the value and significance of children as a blessing from the Lord. It reminds us that building a legacy is not only about physical monuments but also about investing in the lives of the next generation.
Let us strive to build a legacy of faith, love, and godliness in the lives of our children, creating an impact that extends far beyond earthly structures.
1 Corinthians 3:9
“For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building.”
This verse presents believers as God’s fellow workers in the building of His kingdom. It conveys the idea that our lives, individually and collectively, are like a spiritual structure being built by God.
As we partner with God in His work, let us surrender our plans and ambitions to Him, allowing Him to guide and shape our lives according to His perfect design.
Isaiah 28:16
“Therefore thus says the Lord God: ‘Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tried stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation; whoever believes will not act hastily.'”
This verse prophesies the coming of Jesus Christ as the foundation stone, the tried and precious cornerstone upon which our faith is built. It assures us that those who believe in Him will not be disappointed or act hastily.
Let us trust in Jesus as our sure foundation, relying on His strength and guidance in every aspect of our lives, rather than pursuing temporary monuments or achievements.
Matthew 16:18
“And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”
Here, Jesus declares that He will build His church on the foundation of Peter’s confession of faith. It emphasizes the invincibility of the church against the powers of darkness and evil.
As members of the body of Christ, let us prioritize building unity, love, and truth within the church, knowing that it is a spiritual monument that will stand the test of time.
Isaiah 19:19
“In that day there will be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border.”
This verse prophesies a future time when there will be an altar to the Lord in the land of Egypt, as well as a pillar at its border. It symbolizes the presence and worship of God in the midst of various nations and cultures.
Let us strive to build monuments of worship and adoration to God wherever we find ourselves, spreading His love and truth to all nations and people groups.
Matthew 28:19
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
This verse is known as the Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the triune God.
Instead of focusing solely on physical monuments, let us prioritize building spiritual monuments through the proclamation of the Gospel and the discipleship of believers.
Psalms 87:5
“And of Zion it will be said, ‘This one and that one were born in her; and the Most High Himself shall establish her.”
This verse speaks of the city of Zion and how the Lord establishes and blesses it. It signifies the importance of building a community and city where God’s presence and blessings are evident.
As we contribute to our local communities, let us strive to build places where God’s love, justice, and peace are manifested, creating spiritual monuments that make a lasting impact.