Building a life of beauty begins at the foundation

Some years ago, a church I was pastoring was undergoing a major remodeling project.

A new foundation had been built with some obvious flaws. Having pointed this out to the contractor, he told us to replace the foundation would be too costly. He assured us they could correct the mistake when they built the structure on top of it.

We believed him.

Big mistake!

The discrepancy at the foundation influenced the entire building right to the roof top.

What we learned about construction has proven applicable in my ministry over the years — for the best results, begin with a good foundation. Those who choose to ignore this advice discover their best efforts cannot compensate for the flaws with which they began.

How easily we are convinced that replacement is too costly. We are attracted to the quick fix. We fudge and improvise. In the long-run, our efforts cost more than if we had started over.

One way of starting over is to allow the grace of God to correct what is initially wrong. By forgiveness and healing, He can restore any twisted foundation, making it structurally sound. The life we then build upon it becomes a thing of beauty. Without God’s intervention, our initial flaws will always be evident.

So what foundational issues need adjusted in your life? Don’t go through the pain of improvising. Allow God’s grace to make your footing straight and true. That way, what you build upon it will be a thing of beauty.

Pastor Mark Holmes is an ordained minister in the Wesleyan Church and has served the Darrow Road Wesleyan Church since 1997.

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