“Unless the LORD builds the house, they labor in vain who build it; unless the LORD guards the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” (Psalm 127:1, NKJV)
When I began a search to purchase my first home, it was a new but exciting venture for me. I had several items that I desired on a mental check list. As I walked through each possibility, I checked the basic layout, the room sizes, and if the kitchen was up to date. There were other features I thought would be nice but those were not necessarily a deal breaker.
IDENTIFYING THE ESSENTIALS
Looking back on those earlier house-hunting days, I realize that the things on my wish list had been important to me, but they were not the most essential. A pretty house does not necessarily mean it is a well-built house. What I really needed to know was the integrity of the foundation, the safety of the wiring, the condition of the roof, and the age of the heating system. Because I lacked knowledge in those areas, I hired a professional to thoroughly inspect the house I eventually chose to buy.
A strong foundation is essential in building a house that will stand firm through the years, even when storms rage outside. This is true whether we mean a physical house on a plot of ground or a spiritual house that will shelter and protect our family. We need to be certain that our spiritual house will not shift or collapse when heavy storms come at us.
BUILDING FOR TRUE SUCCESS
“He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock.”
“But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” (Luke 6:48-49, NKJV)
Not everyone builds their life on the most secure foundation. Some choose to build on careers, social standings, educational pursuits, or materialistic goals. They may project the image that they are successful and “have it all together” but they are building on sand. When we build our lives on what this world offers, we are relying upon our own strength. With time, these things can shift and change. Careers may end, success fades, and finances falter.
THE MOST SECURE FOUNDATION
A flawed foundation weakens almost imperceptibly over time. Eventually, however, the problem will reveal itself. The fractures grow larger and compromise the stability of the structure. The wise person will choose to build his life on an unshakable foundation that survives whatever storms come their way. That safe foundation is the solid rock of Jesus Christ.
“For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 3:11, NKJV)
PERSONAL REFLECTION
- Is the Lord the center of my life or have I set other priorities?
- What are the dangers of building our lives on the wrong foundation?
- How can I help my family build their lives around the right priorities?
Devotion by Mary Loudermilk
