Matthew 7:24-25
“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.”
While I would expect a multi-million dollar home to be of the highest quality, that isn’t necessarily true. Michael Eisner, one-time CEO of the Disney Corporation, had plans drawn up for such a house. When constructed, one wall was so thin that it nearly buckled under it’s own weight. Bill Gate’s house had pine wood paneling installed that rotted out before construction was finished. It’s not that these two guys were too busy to notice, but architects say that most people find construction details boring. People, seem to pay attention only to the glamorous finishing touches, like counter tops and cabinets, instead of the foundational work.
Boring or not, it’s the foundation that determines the integrity of the structure, and ultimately the true value of the dwelling.
Are you putting all your efforts into maintaining your image, but neglecting the foundational work like attitude, integrity, and a sense of purpose? Jesus says, “These words I speak are foundational; work them into your life like a smart carpenter who built on a solid rock. Nothing moved that house.” (Matthew 7:24-25) Houses built on sand are quick, cheap, and easy; the provide temporary comfort and instant gratification. But building on a rock is tough; it takes time, effort, foresight, and perseverance – but the results are worth it.
If you are not sure what kind of house you are building, watch and see what happens when the next storm hits. The house built on rock will stand firm. There are no shortcuts. Successful Christian living is the result of commitment, consistency, and building according to God’s Word. When these are the foundations of your life, you will make it through any storm!
Related Text:
Ephesians 2:19-21
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.”
