Scientists are sure the Leaning Tower of Pisa is going to fall. They travel to the town of Pisa, Italy every year to measure the building's slow descent. They report that the 179-foot tower, which was built in 1173, moves about one-twentieth of an inch a year, and is now 17 feet out of plumb. Recent renovations may have slowed the 810-year old towers descent and prevented it from collapsing, much sooner.
Quite significantly, the word “pisa” means “marshy land,” which gives some clue as to why the tower began to lean even before it was completed. Another issue is the fact that its foundation is only 10 feet deep! The reason the Leaning Tower of Pisa is leaning, and will eventually fall, is because it is built on a faulty foundation.
Matthew 7 reminds us that it matters what it is that you are building on. It will either be the shifting sand of this world or the solid rock of Jesus Christ. It is important to notice that to both men the bible is clear to say, "And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house." (Matthew 7:25) What you and I choose to build our lives upon has nothing to do with whether difficult times will come, but it has everything to do with our ability to weather those difficulties.
Sand builders have become obsessed with "their" ability, while rock builders know they cannot do it without Jesus Christ. Sand builders don't want the work that comes with digging deep and getting something solid, while rock builders know it might hurt for a little while, but the energy will be worth expending. Sand builders think "now I lay me down to sleep" is enough to get it done, while rock builders know it will take laying down my life, to make it through. Sand builders want the word of truth to fit around what they're doing, while rock builders know that they must be transformed by the renewing of their mind.
What kind of life are you building?
R. Hoffman
Pastor, First Pentecostal Church
RSS Feed