In architecture, the cornerstone is the first stone laid in a structure, carefully positioned to ensure the entire building is aligned and stable. It’s not just another piece of the construction; it’s essential, determining the integrity of everything built upon it. This concept isn’t only crucial in the physical world—it’s profoundly meaningful in our spiritual, professional, and personal lives as well.
The Biblical Cornerstone
In Ephesians 2:20-22, Paul writes about the cornerstone that defines and holds together the community of believers:
“Built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”
Christ as the cornerstone means He is the foundation of our faith, the One who aligns our lives and keeps us steady even in the storms. Without a cornerstone, a building crumbles, and without Christ at the center, our lives can feel equally fragile and misaligned.
Cornerstones in My Work
As a building engineer, I’m reminded daily of the importance of solid foundations. I’ve seen what happens when the hidden parts of a structure—those tucked behind walls or buried underground—begin to fail. Displaced brick walls bricks, cracked facades, and even water infiltration sometimes point to a compromised foundation.
Every project I work on reinforces the importance of starting with something stable, tested, and true. And just as no building can stand without a strong cornerstone, no career can thrive without a foundation built on integrity, purpose, and a sense of calling. For me, that calling is clear: to serve with excellence and align my work with my faith in Christ, my ultimate cornerstone.
Cornerstones in My Home
At home, as a mother of two energetic boys and a wife, I also see the cornerstone’s significance. Building a family isn’t much different from building a structure—it requires careful planning, strong materials, and regular maintenance.
As a mother, I’m laying foundational principles in my boys’ lives. The way I speak to them, the love I show them, and the faith I model for them are like stones being set in place. If my foundation isn’t solid—if I’m building on stress, worry, or worldly distractions—it’s harder for them to grow upright and steady.
As a wife, I’m reminded that my marriage, like a building, needs alignment and strength. My relationship with my husband isn’t immune to the pressures of life, but with Christ as our cornerstone, we have the shared stability to weather challenges and build a home filled with love, respect, and grace.
A Daily Check on My Cornerstone
Just like a building’s cornerstone must be solid and aligned, I have to daily assess what my life is built upon. Am I anchored in Christ, or am I trying to build on shaky ground—relying on my own strength, chasing fleeting goals, or getting lost in the busyness of life?
The cornerstone isn’t something we lay and forget. It requires attention, reflection, and alignment. I find this alignment in prayer, reading Scripture, and intentionally grounding my actions in God’s truth. When I prioritize Christ, I see His influence flow into my work, my parenting, and my marriage, creating harmony and strength.
Building a Dwelling for the Spirit
Ephesians reminds us that we are being built into a dwelling place for God’s Spirit. This image inspires me daily. Whether I’m helping a client restore a damaged building, teaching my boys about kindness, or embracing my role as a wife, I want my life to reflect God’s craftsmanship—a structure built on faith, love, and purpose.
Just as every building needs a cornerstone, every life needs Christ. He is the rock beneath my work, the anchor in my family, and the guide in my marriage. With Him as my foundation, I know that no matter what life brings, I can stand firm and build something that lasts.
What is your cornerstone? And how are you ensuring it’s solid, tested, and true?
