Building Up
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.” Matthew 7:26-27
Is there anything in our life that is rock solid? I am sure we could create a nice list of things that appear to be firmly in place—at least in our minds. Moving Mountains has something to say that I find very helpful.
An Amazing Fact: Hoover Dam is located on the border between the states of Arizona and Nevada. Enough rock was excavated in its construction to have built the Great Wall of China. The dam was built to last 2,000 years—the concrete in it will not even be fully cured for another 500 years.
Though workers probably experienced a great deal of elation over the completion of Hoover Dam, it can’t even compare with the gratification, pleasure, thrill, and worship associated with Solomon’s completion of the temple of the Lord. “The trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord…the house of the Lord was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:13-14).
Have you ever built something with your hands? You know, there are ways to build other than excavating, pouring concrete, framing, putting up rafters, or pounding nails. Every one of us does it ever day in some way. We either build up or tear down.
By giving ourselves to God, we are in His workshop. We all need our rough edges removed, and uneven surfaces smoothed, to become ready for heaven. God desires everyone who confesses Him to become an earnest worker for Him, building upon the rock of Jesus Christ. Dig deep—avoid the sand bed, hunt for the rock, and lay your foundation on Him. When trials come, your foundation will be sure.
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Notice that this devotion says very little about tearing down, but we all know what that is about. Don’t we? As part of His family, let’s build together and stand in awe as they did at Solomon’s Temple and the great Hoover Dam.
Great and glorious God, I praise You for the work in my life. While it may not be grandiose like these constructions, let me serve You the rest of my days and never tear down what others are building. AMEN.