LIFE QUEST - POINT OF VIEW
The House That We Build
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An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his
employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business
and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended
family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They
could get by.
The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he
could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said
yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work.
He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was
an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.
When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect
the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. "This is your
house," he said, "my gift to you."
The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was
building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.
So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting
less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize
we have to live in the house we have built. If we could do it over,
we'd do it much differently. But we cannot go back.
You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or
erect a wall. "Life is a do-it-yourself project," someone has said.
Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the "house" you
live in tomorrow. Build wisely!
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Life Quest Commentary
The most important part of any building is the foundation upon which it is built. If the foundaton is missing or weak, the building will also be weak. Jesus told a story, comparing foundation materials of two houses, to demonstrate a most important spiritual fundamental. He said:
Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.
And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
And it came to pass, when Jesus had ended these sayings, the people were astonished at his doctrine: Matthew 7:21-28
Paul also spoke about our spiritual foundation. He said,
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.
If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. 1 Corinthians 3:9-17
What is your spiritual foundation? Are you trusting in your own merit to please God or do you believe that God will let you into Heaven because you tried your best to be good? Do you think God will accept you because your good works outweigh your sins? Will any of these foundations stand the test of God's examination & judgment?
"Have you understood that Jesus is the true foundation of your salvation and relationship with God? If Jesus is not your foundation, you have no relationship with Him at all! Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. John 4:6
Jesus died on the cross, taking the penalty for our sins upon Himself, so that we could receive forgiveness of our sins and the gift of eternal life through faith in Jesus!
If you have understood that Jesus died in your place and have already received His gift of eternal life, Praise the Lord!! You are standing on His sure foundation that will stand against the raging waters and winds of this world! You can then begin to build upon that foundation by following what God tells you to do as you read His Word and are guided by God's Spirit. For more information about building upon our sure foundation, Jesus, please see the Home Improvement topic in Food for Thought.
If Jesus is not your foundation, why not receive Him right now and make your foundation sure?
We encourage you to refer to the LIFEQUEST "Food for Thought" topics of Salvation and Gospel which will further explain what He has done for you, how much God loves you and show you how to receive Jesus as your Savior and Lord.
God bless you and have a great day!
