Today’s scripture: 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
“Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw — the work of each builder will become visible, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each has done” (verses 12, 13).
This passage reminds me of the children’s story, “The Three Little Pigs.” You know the story . . . There were three little pigs who went out to make their way in the world and to build their houses. The first little pig built his house of straw. The second little pig build his house of sticks. However, the third little pig built his house out of brick because he didn’t mind hard work and wanted a strong house. He also knew that in the woods there lived a wolf who liked to catch little pigs and eat them.
And sure enough, one day the wolf came to where the houses were built, and he huffed and he puffed and he blew down the houses made of straw and of sticks. The two little pigs who lived there ran to their brother’s house made of brick. The wolf followed and huffed and puffed, but he could not blow down the house made of brick; and the pigs were safe.
There is a lesson to be learned here. Quick and easy are not the best choices when building a spiritual foundation. The pigs who built their houses out of straw are like Christians who do not put much effort into their spiritual life. They are content to just come to church on Sunday and maybe attend a special service or two. But they are not willing to take the extra time that is required to get to know God.
However, the pig who built his house out of brick is like the Christian who knows trouble is coming and recognizes that it requires prayer and quiet time with God, as well as church attendance to have a safe haven when the wolf is at the door. It is too late to try to shore up your foundation when the wolf is knocking.
Paul is saying build your foundation with materials that will last because a day is coming when your foundation will be tested.
Thought for the day: What care are you taking to build your foundation?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.