Prepared for the Storms! (part 1 of 2)

Recent hurricanes were prepared for in Florida and on up our country’s east coast. Businesses and homes were boarded up, valuables were secured or taken to safer locations, and families were evacuated. Then the storms came with their strong winds and heavy rains, sparing some areas while leaving devastation in others. And the clean-up and recovery are continuing still.

Because of the power of hurricanes, tornadoes, as well as wind and rain storms, building codes have been established to protect property and save lives. When shortcuts are taken or those codes are completely ignored, the losses are great. However, it is true there is sometimes no preparation adequate for what “mother nature” might bring when it comes to impacting physical property.

With regard to spiritual things we also need to be mindful of codes provided for building our lives. People who attempt to take short cuts, those who put forth little effort to build well, or folks who completely ignore the proper standards will ultimately find themselves facing emotional, physical, and spiritual catastrophe.

Remember Jesus’ illustration about two builders. Though it is a story which children sing about, the earnest message is for all ages.

Jesus exhorted…
“(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 5:24-27 ESV)

Two builders; one wise and one foolish. The work of both was met by the same forces. The difference, however, was the FOUNDATION or lack there of.
The structure may have looked nice, even appearing to be a safe shelter, but what it rested upon was not given due consideration.

Many people build good lives, but built upon what? All the effort in the world can go into ornamentation, but if the FOUNDATION is either faulty or non-existent, it is all for nothing. In human life, too often the FOUNDATION is the last thing considered when it ought to be the first. One’s knowledge may “tower”, but it is for nothing if the FOUNDATION is not right. Gradually the life begins to lean and sink and is ultimately destined to topple.

Paul boldly affirmed…
“For NO ONE CAN LAY A FOUNDATION OTHER THAN THAT WHICH IS LAID, WHICH IS JESUS CHRIST.” ( 1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV)

Jesus is the “Rock” on which our faith and life are to be based. (note Matthew 16:16-18) May we be sure that we are building our lives on Jesus Christ, listening to what He has commanded and putting it into practice in our daily lives.

Have a great day BUILDING ON THE ROCK!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Responsibility