By guest writer Vicki Cottingham
The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia is an incredible building and has been designed chiefly by the architect, Antonio Gaudi (also known as God’s Architect). From what I gathered, Gaudi was a man of faith, whose vision was to give his best to God and to bring glory to God through his work.
Lesson 1: Like Gaudi, I can seek to give my very best to God and bring him glory as I live for him.
Gaudi was an innovator because rather than having everything about God within the building he chose to have it all displayed on the outside of the building. His aim was for people to look and learn about the teachings of the gospels and the church, before even entering the church.
Lesson 2: People may not necessarily come into church straight away, but my life can serve as a witness to others about who Christ is and what it means to be his follower. If I reflect Christ, they will be drawn to him and be more willing to come inside a church.
Throughout Gaudi’s work on the cathedral he emphasises the relationship of the Trinity (Father, Son and Holy Spirit). Within this impressive building, natural light plays a huge part, another pointer to Jesus, the light of the world. As with the outside, the inside’s focus is God.
Lesson 3: I have the light of the world, Jesus, living in me and he has called me to shine his light in this world.
When people questioned Gaudi about how long it was taking to create and finish, his response was that God was his ultimate client, not people, and would tell them, “Don’t worry, my client isn’t in a hurry.”
Lesson 4: I’m aware that I can sometimes be in a hurry. I want a particular season in my life to end, I want my prayers answered now, I want change to come quickly, etc. But as Gaudi knew, God is never in a hurry. His timing is always best.
God is our creator, he created you and me, he is the master builder, the master architect. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Ephesians 2:10 (NLT)
Lesson 5: As incredible as the Basilica is, it does not compare to God’s greatest creation and design – human beings. God has created me on purpose and for a purpose.
When God looks at us he doesn’t see what we were, he sees what we will be, he has the blueprints set out before him, he knows the end design, and with the help of his Holy Spirit he is transforming us from the inside out to make us more like his son, Jesus.
When people visit the Basilica they can see Gaudi’s “fingerprints” all over it. As we develop friendships with others may they too see God’s “fingerprints” on us and may we open ourselves up to allow God to make something beautiful with our lives, not only that, but may it also give others the desire to invite God to make their lives beautiful too.
You can read more insights from Vicki at Lessons on Faith learned from a visit to The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia – Vicki Cottingham
Narrow Path Ministries 