Some things are just too precious to allow them to be destroyed by a whim or a fad. The Bible is filled with battle after battle for the things that God has promised to His people. We are then charged with the task of maintaining the ground where God has given us victory. This is not always easy. It is, however, necessary to have a sure foundation.

Jesus talked about “building”.

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 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.

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. 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.” (Mat 7:24-27)

This passage talks about building a foundation on the teachings of Jesus. Many of the trials we experience are the result of the fact that we “build” on things that are not of any eternal value. For that matter, we place too much value on these things during the short lifespan of a man. Things that can be stolen by theives or eaten by moths should not be the basis of our “why”. They should not be the reason we do what we do. They can only satisfy us for as long as they last.

How often do we hear of the discontent of those who appear to have everything? Material wealth is not able to fulfill the heart of a man. Money or the pursuit of it can only distract us from what we need to be content. Relationships that are built on superficial ingredients will never bring about the valuable results found in those that have a sure foundation.

The Prophet Haggai was given a not-so-subtle clue as to how God felt about men building their own empires and neglecting His Kingdom:

You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why? declares the LORD of hosts. Because of my house that lies in ruins, while each of you busies himself with his own house.

(Hag 1:9)

God’s people had sown seed and come up short at harvest time. This verse from Haggai, like the words of Jesus in Matthew, is filled with timeless truth. God’s people need to have priorities.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

(Mat 6:33)

Our work, whether we are housewives or CEO’s, is to be done as if we are working for God.

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

(Col 3:23-24)

What does this look like? It’s no mystery. We don’t need to guess. The Bible tells us to “Live to the Lord”.

For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s.

(Rom 14:8)

The Bible is like a blueprint. You can use it to build your foundation. You can read it and then apply it:

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

(Jas 1:22)

It doesn’t matter what you are dealing with today. You can start now. If you have never had the opportunity to build a strong foundation, that doesn’t matter. What Jesus did for you will give you all you need to make the necessary changes. You may need to deal with your bad habits. You will then be able to create new habits. The Bible says to renew your mind. You cannot follow the lower standards of those who do not have a strong foundation.

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

(Rom 12:2)

Start something. Take a verse, like the one from Colossians and memorize it. Every time you think about your job, think about how you can please God as you do it. Imagine yourself in His presence. Give Him full control and watch Him transform you into someone who has the confidence that comes from knowing that your foundation is strong because it is build on Him. They say it only takes about 30 days to create a new habit. Once you have done this, pick another verse and start again.

It is not going to be easy. It is going to be rewarding. Each time you make a sincere effort to change, God will honor it.

Where is your treasure?

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

(Mat 6:19-20)

You can trust the Bible.