Cutting Corners With Untempered Mortar

Jesus gave the directions we must follow, but few want to follow his directions to the letter. In out text passage he said if we hear him and follow the instructions given by his word we are wise builders and our (Spiritual) House will withstand the storms of this life.

Today, many Christians are building their spiritual houses with untempered mortar. The words “Untempered Mortar” are in 5 verses in the OT and is only found in the book of Ezekiel.

God tells Ezekiel how the people how are using untempered mortar.

(KJV)

Ezek: 13:10: Because, even because they have seduced my people, saying, Peace; and there was no peace; and one built up a wall, and, lo, others daubed it with untempered morter:

Ezek: 13:11: Say unto them which daub it with untempered morter, that it shall fall: there shall be an overflowing shower; and ye, O great hailstones, shall fall; and a stormy wind shall rend it.

Ezek: 13:14: So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered morter, and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I am the LORD.

Ezek: 13:15: Thus will I accomplish my wrath upon the wall, and upon them that have daubed it with untempered morter, and will say unto you, The wall is no more, neither they that daubed it;

Mortar is an amazing substance. “IF” it is mixed properly with the proper ingredients, it will last for centuries! As a former contractor I have disassembled old time flues from brick, and smoke stacks made of Limestone and in many cases the outer material will break many times instead of the mortar joints.

A good grade of mortar joint that is allowed to cure and temper is as strong as the substance that it bonds together.

For it to be that good, everything has to be exactly as the instructions spell it out.

It must have the exact amount of sand, exact amount of mortar mix, and the exact amount of water. Then it must be used before it goes stale. On Government jobs, mortar has a time limit on how long it can be mixed before use. If the time lapses, it has to be dumped and a new batch made so as to insure that the strength will be the greatest and that it will last the longest.

Anything less begins to deteriorate in a very short time.

The same can be said for our spiritual strength. We must follow the instructions to the letter, stay fresh, keep the heart from going stale, and always mixing, adding, and using that which God has given us.