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When I first moved into my new neighborhood a couple of years ago, the entire area was under construction. Lots were filled with construction supplies. Homes were unpainted. Yards were growing, non-existent or filled with weeds. But there were great expectations that things were moving forward and the mess was evidence of that progress. As time has moved forward though I've noticed that I personally have less and less of a tolerance for the "mess" that is evidence of progress, especially when its at my own home.

In looking at 1 Peter 2 what comes through most clearly is this picture that we both individually and as a group are works in progress...we are under construction. Jesus is the cornerstone, and the cornerstone is where the construction process begins. We lay it down at the start and go from there.

As individuals we start constructing our lives as followers of Jesus by cleaning out the junk that messes up our lot...malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, slander (1 Peter 2:1 TNIV). We gather up our essential tools...our pure spiritual milk (1 Peter 2:2 TNIV). We submit ourselves (2:13), we show respect (2:17), we endure suffering (2:19) and we live lives marked by good deeds (2:12).

As communities of followers, we come and build together. We find that our identity is not so much developed as a solitary individual, but as a part of a community of people who are bound together by a common calling and purpose. And one of the hardest parts of growing together is dealing with each others' construction mess. So as you continue building, remember that the mess next door isn't just a problem, it may be a sign that God is at work building up someone else's life. So show one another mercy, understanding and compassion in all that you say and do.