What do you build on your foundation?
TODAY’S PROVERB: Whoever loves pleasure becomes poor. Whoever loves wine and oil will not be rich. Proverbs 21:17
What we love ahead of GOD cannot sustain us. When we love and seek Him first, all these other things will be added to our lives (Matthew 6:33).
Not just things, but the people who are important to us. As we’re able to steward possessions, gifts, talents, and relationships GOD will add to them.
“In this case, moreover, what is required of stewards is to be found trustworthy.” 1 Corinthians 4:2
“As each one has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of the many-sided grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10
When we place things and even relationships above Him, we cripple ourselves emotionally and spiritually.
It’s like the foundation of a building. When we love GOD first, as our foundation, we can build an amazing life. Imagine building on top of people or things or gifts and talents–they could never sustain us. (Proverbs 10:25; Matthew 7:24-25; Luke 6:48-49)
But, I want to challenge us further. As a builder/engineer’s daughter, I know the importance of a foundation, but a building is more than this. There are the beams, studs, walls, trusses, and roof.
Architects and engineers continually strive to construct buildings that can better withstand fires, earthquakes, and hurricanes. Nothing is full-proof, but these new techniques provide safer homes and businesses.
This reminds me of how our wisdom journey can provide protection for us in ways unique to living outside GOD’s structures. Community can help support us. Our works to support the Body of Messiah build in us more of the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23).
I guess what I’m saying is that what we build on top of that sure foundation doesn’t have to all be about things, talents, and relationships. It can be an extension of that foundation, by seeking more of Him.
“If anyone’s work built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.” 1 Corinthians 3:14
It’s something to think about.
May our first love be our Heavenly Father, my friends.
Proverbs 21:17, Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs
[WATCH Tree of Life Bible Society’s CEO, Daniah Greenberg and me, Terri Gillespie, Author dig a little deeper with this proverb. Check us out at Tree of Life Bible Society, Monday through Friday, LIVE at 8:30am EST. Watch previous episodes there as well. Stay wise, my friends!]