Architects say that people find
construction details boring; they’d rather spend their money on glitzy stuff
instead. They focus on the light fixtures, the carpeting, and what colors to
use in each room as opposed to if a storm hits, is the foundation fortified
enough to keep this house from floating like Noah’s Ark?
The problem is that people fail to
understand that it’s the foundation that determines the strength, stability,
and ultimately the value of the house. In other words, a ceiling fan in the
bedroom, central A/C, and a patio to barbecue are irrelevant if the house
collapses because you cut corners in its construction! Well, as it goes for a
house, so it goes the same for your Character and the Construction of Your Life
and Lifestyle. Which is why you should take the time to ask and answer the
following for yourself: Am I putting all of my efforts into maintaining an
image while I neglect foundational things such as my attitude, integrity and
responsibility to fulfilling my God-given purpose?
“Afflicted city, storm-battered,
unpitied: I’m about to rebuild you with stones of turquoise, Lay your
foundations with sapphires, constructing your towers with rubies, your
gates with jewels, and all your walls with precious stones. All your
children will have God for their teacher— what a mentor for your children!
You’ll be built solid, grounded in righteousness, far from any
trouble—nothing to fear! Far from terror—it won’t even come close! If
anyone attacks you, don’t for a moment suppose that I sent them, and if
any should attack, nothing will come of it. I create the
blacksmith who fires up his forge and makes a weapon designed to
kill. I also create the destroyer— but no weapon that can hurt you has
ever been forged. Any accuser who takes you to court will be dismissed as
a liar. This is what God’s servants can expect. I’ll see to it that
everything works out for the best.” God’s Decree.” (Isaiah 54:11-17 MSG)
God
is building a home. He’s using us all—irrespective of how we got here—in what He
is building. He used the apostles and prophets for the foundation. Now he’s
using you, fitting you in brick by brick, stone by stone, with Christ Jesus as
the cornerstone that holds all the parts together. We see it taking shape day
after day—a holy temple built by God, all of us built into it, a temple in
which God is quite at home.” (Ephesians 2:19-22 MSG)
“Meanwhile,
God’s firm foundation is as firm as ever, these sentences engraved on the
stones: God knows who belongs to him…” (2 Timothy 2:19 MSG)
And what’s our
rule and standard? “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.” (Matthew 7:24-25 MSG). Our standard is that of
excellence! We do not go the way that is quick, cheap and easy, but we plan,
prepare, work hard, and build what is solid and lasting.
In other words, the marriage may not be smiles every-day, but it will
last; the children may not be perfect, but they’re progressing; the church may
push you to want to switch religions some days, but stick it out, growth often
comes in the midst of struggles; the job may not give you the promotion you
desire or even deserve, but it yet provides a paycheck that keeps you from
standing in line waiting for a cot and a cup of soup at the homeless shelter
and soup kitchen; school can oftentimes make you wonder if your brain even
works, but remember even if what it took them 2 years to get, if it takes you
10 years to get, it will still be worth it, because you didn’t throw in the
towel. You stuck it out and made it work, and that’s what rock builders do,
they work hard, they sweat hard, but they eventually enjoy the spoils of
victory from life’s hardest battles!
HOWEVER,
building on rock is hard; it takes time, effort foresight and perseverance – but
the results are worth it because they’re lasting! Whether it’s a marriage,
mother/fatherhood, a business, ministry, church or friendship, when you take
the time and build it accordingly, it will outlast the storms of life! “But if
you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you
are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a
storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.”
(Matthew 7:26-27 MSG).
Remember this:
Character is the result of Commitment, Consistency, and Building According to
the Principles of God’s Word. When you make these the Foundation of Your Life
you’ll make it through Any Storm in Life!
Blessings
J.P. Olson
