than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 3:11.
The owner was interviewed. He stated that the foundation had already been inspected and found to be undamaged because it had an anchor system that was attached to a solid rock foundation. Still, the home was not safe to inhabit as many of the walls would have to be completely torn out and replaced. I will long remember the last question the reporter asked him: "Where do you start, to undo damage like this?" The wisdom of the owner was clearly evident as he answered simply, "From the foundation up. We start at the foundation, then go from there."
Then there came a day in my life when this house of anger and emotional isolation that I had built was shaken so badly, I had no choice but to check my foundation. The damage to my "dwelling" had grown steadily worse through years of neglect. The rot and decay of living so long with anger, arrogance and pride was clearly evident.
Walls I had labored so hard to build were faulty--I had used all the wrong building materials: pride, anger, distrust, disobedience, stubbornness, and one flimsy excuse after another. No wonder my house was collapsing about me!
I had started out with a good foundation, but the years I had spent away from God meant major renovations would have to be done. And since my lack of carpentry and maintenance skills had been proven by the life I lived and the choices I made, my only hope for a lasting solution was to submit to the Master Builder.
It was not an easy time for me. I knew about many of the changes that needed to be made, the work that needed to be done. Still, I debated with Him nearly every step of the way, because my main support wall was built of denial. Not self-denial, mind you. I had not exercised discipline in my life over my thoughts and actions--I hadn't denied self. No, the denial I had was that such problems existed to warrant the extensive work that had to be done. Surely that could be plastered over--this could be merely caulked and painted.
Yet the Master Builder would have none of my plans. He informed me of His Master Plan: ALL the walls would have to come out, and the roof off--virtually destroy the dwelling and rebuild again from the foundation up. This house of mine was beyond what my patchwork repairs could do for it. It was dangerous to inhabit. If the work was not done according to the Master Builder's Plan, the days this dwelling had left were few indeed and its ruin would be complete.
Praise God, the Master Builder adjusted my focus and allowed me to see that the mildew of criticism had crept through the cracks. Cobwebs of deceit and lack of faith were in every corner. Even the windows were covered with a thick film of failure to pray and worship. Needless to say, the furnishings (my Bible and study materials) were each coated with dusty layers of neglect. The interior of the rooms was in no better condition than the rest of the dwelling!
The foundation was corrected and set aright when I asked forgiveness for my sins and years of willful disobedience. The wall of denial was replaced with acknowledgement of who I am and my purpose for being: for His Glory, not my own. Pride was replaced with compassion, anger with joy, distrust with faith in God, disobedience with subjection to His Will, stubbornness with submission, and excuses with truth. Witnessing replaced withdrawal from people.
As I began the discipline of applying the cleansing implements of God's Word to my daily life, I noticed the brightness that returned: joy, energy, and the freshness of Godly friends replaced the stinking drab dampness of self-pity and concern over self-esteem.
It didn't all happen overnight. Some of the renovations include daily lessons and corrections that will need to be made for as long as my house exists. That is of comfort to me: my house has been totally redone by the hands of the Master Planner, the Master Builder. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. I Corinthians 3:11.
Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart. II Timothy 2:19-22.Please, before you face the storm that will topple your house, take a good close look at it. What condition is it in? Has its foundation shifted? Is it securely anchored to that Solid Rock, Christ Jesus? Are there walls that need to be torn down or replaced? Have you allowed the rot of anger or the decay of neglect to eat away at its support system? Are cobwebs trying to take hold in the corners? Have you covered old spots of hurt and pain with rugs of getting even?
I promise you, your house can be stablized. Jesus Christ has a Master Plan for each of us, if only we will submit to it. His Plan, His Way, His Will, is perfect and without flaw. Allow the Master Builder to replace those old walls with new ones, built to the specifications of His blueprint, the Word of God. You will truly be amazed at the results, for they will not only affect you, but all those who come in contact with you.
By the way, checked His warranty lately?
...I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. Matthew 28:20.
...I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. Hebrews 13:5.
"From The Foundation Up" Copyright © 1998 by Patricia Sikes.
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