When I was in high school, a friend and I ventured down a creek — which ran from a lake to a bay — along which we spent two nights on our journey. Having taken along a small transistor radio, we were alerted by the news of thundershowers coming our second night out. We had taken sleeping bags, food, and some other supplies, but had not packed a tent because our plan was to simply roll out our sleeping bags under the open sky. Taking the weather report seriously, we quickly went to work creating shelter by laying a log across a couple stumps, leaning branches against it, and then overlaying that with chunks of bark and ferns. With our fire in front of our simple lean-to, we remained warm and dry despite the heavy downpour which went on through the night.
Though that simple structure served its purpose for one night, it was not where we would have wanted to live. With the building of a house, planning and effort must be involved. One cannot just start throwing materials together and expect to have something that will last. Digging out the place for the foundation to be laid, setting up the forms for pouring the concrete on which the structure is to be properly supported, and building according to code is important in establishing a house that will weather the changing seasons and protect its occupants.
Understanding the wisdom in putting forth the effort in building and consideration of materials brought in for doing so is of even greater significance when it comes to our life. This is why Jesus stated. . .
“(24) Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. (25) And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. (26) And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. (27) And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” (Matthew 7:24-27 ESV)
Are we listening and putting into practice the teachings of Jesus so that our life will continue in being built up on that solid foundation? There is a foundation repair company which uses the expression, “Rock built! Rock solid!” That is what the truth of Jesus is on which our life can safely and securely rest through the storms and varying seasons of life.
As Paul exhorted. . .
“(10) According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. (11) For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-11 ESV)
Understanding — according to Divine code — there is only one foundation on which to build up our life, are we building wisely? Acknowledging the rock-solid truth of Jesus Who is “the truth” (John 14:6), may we take care how we build!
Have a great day WITH LIFE SOLIDLY CONSTRUCTED ON JESUS CHRIST!
Carl
