The Oak Ridge Boys - I'm Working On a Building Lyrics
Lyrics
Well I'm working on a building
It's a true foundation
I'm holding up the blood-stained
Banner for my Lord
Well I never get tired, tired, tired working on the building
I'm going up to Heaven, oh Lord, to get my reward
Well if I was a sinner, let me tell you what I would do
Well I'd quit all my sinning
And work on the building too
Well if I was a preacher, let me tell you what I would do
Well I would keep on preachin'
And work on the building too
Video
The Oak Ridge Boys - I'm Working On A Building
Meaning & Inspiration
"I'm Working on a Building," as featured on The Oak Ridge Boys' 2008 album *The Gospel Collection*, is a powerful testament to steadfast dedication and the pursuit of eternal reward. This song, with its roots in traditional gospel music, isn't just a catchy tune; it's an earnest declaration of faith translated into action. The core message is one of unwavering commitment to spiritual labor, portraying a believer actively engaged in building a spiritual foundation. The imagery of holding up a "blood-stained banner" immediately evokes the sacrifice of Christ, referencing the atonement for sin central to Christian theology, much like the Apostle Paul's encouragement in 1 Corinthians 15:58: "Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." The song's assertion of never growing tired echoes the divine strength promised to those who serve, as Isaiah 40:31 assures, "but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint." The ultimate destination, "Heaven, oh Lord, to get my reward," points to the eschatological hope that underpins Christian perseverance, a concept consistently reinforced throughout Scripture, from Matthew 19:29 where Jesus promises abundant reward for those who have sacrificed for Him, to Revelation 22:12, which states, "Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." The song thoughtfully extends its invitation, suggesting that even a sinner or a preacher would find purpose in this construction, underscoring the universal call to discipleship. The hypothetical sinner is challenged to abandon their ways and join the work, aligning with Jesus' own call to repentance and service, as seen in Mark 2:17: "On hearing this, Jesus said to them, 'It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.'" Similarly, the preacher is encouraged to integrate this foundational work into their ministry, emphasizing that preaching itself is a form of building the Kingdom of God. This harmonizes with the Apostle Paul's directives for ministry, such as in 1 Corinthians 3:9-10: "For we are God’s co-workers; you are God’s field, God’s building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and the”. The strength of this song lies in its straightforward yet profound depiction of a life dedicated to spiritual service, a continuous, active process that promises an eternal inheritance.