WEEKLY FEATURE
Built for Eternity-by Lois Macdonald
Arriving by boat at the welcoming shoreline of Kill Bear Park, my husband and I lowered our anchor and slipped gingerly into the shallow, cool water of Georgian Bay. Laughing as our feet wrestled with the shifting sand below, we slowly inched our way towards the dry ground. All the while precariously balancing our picnic baskets above our heads. It wasn’t until we climbed onto one of the highest and flattest slabs of granite that we felt secure spreading out our blanket and mini feast. This landscape reminded us of the building choices the wise and foolish builders had to select from in Luke 6:46-49. While a beachfront home would be spectacular, one severe storm could destroy it. “They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it because it was well built.” As Christians, we know that life is full of trials. That’s why Jesus lived as our ultimate example. His teachings are a blueprint for how to live our lives. We both agreed that Christ is the Master Contractor. His foundation is built for eternity. “On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand” -Lyrics by Edward Mote. Navigating the landmines of our society had become much more difficult for Christ-followers than back when I was young. When our school days started with the Lord’s Prayer. Morals and values have radically moved away from God’s standards. Another news item highlights the continual conflict between worldly ideals and God’s standards. Christian families are being challenged from all directions, even from one church to another. Jesus’ teachings have been watered down to not offend the masses. The joy that this verse once brought us seems to have faded. “My hope is built on nothing less Than, Jesus’ blood and righteousness I dare not trust the sweetest frame But wholly lean on Jesus’ name.”-Edward Mote As we left Kill Bear Park that day, our feet began to lose their grip as soon as our feet left the solid rock foundation. Like the foolish builder in Luke 6, I could hear Jesus’ warning. “But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed, and its destruction was complete.” Such foolish people profess to adore God and yet continue living their lives of sin. But Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commands” (John 14:15). Unless one’s character is built on the rock-solid foundation of God’s Word, he will be swept away. Jesus is the ultimate example of Godly living. “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” 1 Cor. 3:11 (KJV). Our Prayer, Dear Heavenly Father, When darkness veils His lovely face I’ll rest on His unchanging grace In every high and stormy day My anchor holds within the veil On Christ the solid rock I stand All other ground is sinking sand All other ground is sinking sand. Amen