In the year 1173 an Italian architect began work on an eight story bell tower. The tower would be his most famous project. A few years into construction it became apparent, there was a big problem. During construction of the second floor it was noticeable. The tower was leaning. The tower had an inadequate foundation due to soil that was too soft on one side. It took 176 years for the eight story tower to be completed, yet in spite of many attempts to keep the tower from leaning, today it is nearly 15 feet away from where it should be. We call it the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The builders designed a magnificent building on the outside, but failed to make sure the foundation was sufficient.
Matthew 7:24-27 - “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
We are introduced to two men in this story. By all appearances they may have looked the same, used the same tools, and both were committed to build a home for their families. They may have used identical building materials. They shopped at the same Home Depot. They both worked hard, but while they are similar in some respects, they are distinctly different.
Jesus says one man was wise. One was foolish.
Both men built a house for their family. On the outside they may have looked the same but there was one significant difference. One had a strong foundation. The other did not.
The main difference between the two builders is that only one took the time and determination to dig down to the sold rock and anchor his house to that which would not move. The foundation of his house was secured to the rock, while the foundation of the other house settled on sand. The nature of sand is to be shifting, sliding, and sinking, while a rock is stationary, strong, and secure.
Over the past several years we have seen some of the worst storm seasons in history. I think about the impact of Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Maria. It is almost unbelievable. The devastation storms can have is incredible. There is one aspect we do understand though…storms are no respecter of persons. The hurricanes didn’t just hit wealthy neighborhoods, or poor neighborhoods. The storm impacted everyone.
No one is immune from adversity….loss of loved ones, sickness, financial difficulties, stress, confusion, fear, and worry. etc.
What matters is the foundation. What your build your life on will be revealed in the storm.
Hearing and obeying God’s Word is how we build our lives on a solid foundation. We could say it like this: If you want your life to last, listen to Jesus and live what he says. It’s the only way to stand against the storms of this life.
What are you building your life upon? How is your foundation? o99 Are you building your life on the foundation of God’s Word?
A foundation built on sand: building on success, building on happiness, building on the approval of others, building on relationships, building on material possessions, building on your own desires…none of this will stand when the storm comes.
There is only one foundation….Jesus Christ.
Today’s Challenge: Today do some soul searching, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you if you are truly building your life on the only foundation that will stand. Begin applying God’s Word to your daily life and experience the stability that results.
