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- Apr 25, 2006
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Character Building
'"Anyone who listens ... and follows ... is ... like a person who builds a house on solid rock."' Matthew 7:24
Christian thinker John Ruskin said, 'The highest reward for man's toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.' It's said that when Michael Eisner, head of the Disney Corporation, had plans drawn up for a house, one wall was so thin it almost buckled under its own weight.
One billionaire's house had wooden sides that rotted before the house was even completed. So, were they just too busy to notice? Architects say that people find construction details boring; they'd rather spend their money on glitzy stuff. Yet it's the foundation that determines the strength, stability (and ultimately the value) of the house. Are you putting all your efforts into maintaining an image while neglecting your own foundation: your attitude, your integrity and your God-given purpose?
Jesus said, '"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise ... like a person building a house on solid rock ... when the rain comes ... it won't collapse"' (Matthew 7:24-25). Houses (and Jesus applies this to our lives) built on sand are quick, cheap and easy. They provide temporary comfort and instant gratification.
Building on rock is hard: it takes time, effort, foresight and perseverance-but the results are worth it. If you're not sure what kind of house you're building, watch what happens when the storm hits! A house built on rock will withstand the same storm that levels those built on sand.
Simply stated, there are no shortcuts. Character is the result of commitment, consistency, and building according to the principles of God's Word. When you make these things the foundation of your life, you'll make it through any storm.
written by Bob Gass
'"Anyone who listens ... and follows ... is ... like a person who builds a house on solid rock."' Matthew 7:24
Christian thinker John Ruskin said, 'The highest reward for man's toil is not what he gets for it, but what he becomes by it.' It's said that when Michael Eisner, head of the Disney Corporation, had plans drawn up for a house, one wall was so thin it almost buckled under its own weight.
One billionaire's house had wooden sides that rotted before the house was even completed. So, were they just too busy to notice? Architects say that people find construction details boring; they'd rather spend their money on glitzy stuff. Yet it's the foundation that determines the strength, stability (and ultimately the value) of the house. Are you putting all your efforts into maintaining an image while neglecting your own foundation: your attitude, your integrity and your God-given purpose?
Jesus said, '"Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise ... like a person building a house on solid rock ... when the rain comes ... it won't collapse"' (Matthew 7:24-25). Houses (and Jesus applies this to our lives) built on sand are quick, cheap and easy. They provide temporary comfort and instant gratification.
Building on rock is hard: it takes time, effort, foresight and perseverance-but the results are worth it. If you're not sure what kind of house you're building, watch what happens when the storm hits! A house built on rock will withstand the same storm that levels those built on sand.
Simply stated, there are no shortcuts. Character is the result of commitment, consistency, and building according to the principles of God's Word. When you make these things the foundation of your life, you'll make it through any storm.
written by Bob Gass
