When building a house (or a team, program, church, community, movement, organization, nation), here are three keys upon which everything rests: wisdom, understanding and knowledge. That trio holds the keys to living a well-built life.

WISDOM. Wisdom marks the way to build a solid life. It’s transcendent truth that comes to you saying, “Here’s what really needs to be done.” It’s the “aha!” moments when what needs to be seen is seen. Athlete, the fountainhead for such wisdom is Christ, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). To find Christ is to find wisdom. To imitate Him is to become wisdom. And God has an endless supply of wisdom. It’s only an ask away (James 1:5).

UNDERSTANDING. Understanding comes when we process wisdom. It comes when we listen, when we make purposeful time for God, for others, for wisdom to work its way into us. Respect for others and from others grows, and relationships reach a building stage when we seek to understand before being understood. Understanding allows brick upon brick to be laid in the development of both self and team.

KNOWLEDGE. Knowledge helps us survey a construction with accuracy and informs each move in the making of a movement. It’s the raw material that wisdom and understanding use to build something great.

Athlete, as these three become well-established in and through our lives, whatever is built is built well and gets filled with rich treasure. Without these things, the “house” sits on shaky ground and never really becomes a home for anything truly special. Remember to use the three house keys to build something meaningful.

Prayer to consider today: LORD, grade us in the areas of wisdom, understanding, and knowledge. Please show us where we need to improve our construction. Infuse us with your Son and your Spirit so that we can build something special.