One of the things our elders learned from our architect is what might be called a choice triangle. For any new construction, there are three basic elements to the project. Take the square footage, take the quality of design and materials, and take the dollar amount to be spent. Those are the three corners of your triangle. As you look at those three elements, you may pick any two, and the two you pick will determine the third.
If you have this amount of money and no more, and you want this square footage, then that will determine the quality of construction. If you want this quality of construction, and to spend this amount of money, that will determine how big it is going to be. You get the picture.
The two you pick determine your priorities, and the one that remains for you is the cost you must pay for your priorities. If costs must be limited, but high quality is essential, then the cost you must pay is in size. Any one of the three of them can be the cost you pay, and any two of them can represent your priorities.
As we look to build a sanctuary, our task is to seek to have our priorities reflect God’s priorities, and God’s task is provide in the third area. This is because we usually bump up against a cost for our standards that is a cost we do not want to pay. That we where we seek the Lord for provision. So we have certain architectural standards, and good for us. Are those standards biblically grounded, biblically responsible, historically informed, and theologically aware?
In other words, in the two areas we pick, are we being biblically responsible, such that it is not presumption when we look to the Lord to provide for us in the third category? Hudson Taylor once said that God’s work done God’s way will not lack for God’s supply. The psalmist said that God promises us this—open your mouth and I will fill it. But that opening must be in true and intelligent faith.
So let the stones cry out.
Another priority it time: “how soon do you want this thing built?” A four legged triangle!
JBrigham,
You’re right that time does often affect quality or price or size — but maybe not always, so not necessarily.
Sometimes a greater quantity of time can actually negatively affect essentials.
And so we in the bleachers are starting to wonder out loud — enough already!
These stones have been crying out for ages — when are we gonna hear that this project has started?!
You two are correct. The Ark Encounter is hitting that wall now that Ham and company are being forced to sue Kentucky to get the $18 million tax rebate. They slowed way down on income until the Nye debate and now they are losing money from all of the legal delays. Time does matter here. Doug, I wonder, given your recent spate of posts on taxes, if you would post some musings on this legal case? Is AiG wrong for pursuing tax rebates? Do you think they will win the case? Should they? Might help other smaller groups guide their… Read more »