Pouring concrete for a living is hard, physical work. But there’s a lesson in the mix for all of us. I’ve been doing concrete work since the late ‘70s and have learned every good foundation has the same basic components. First, It has to be formed properly. Second, the concrete must have the right mix of ingredients. And third, it must have a durable finish. Our lives are a lot like that concrete, and I don’t mean all mixed up and permanently set!
Concrete should be poured into forms. The forms give the concrete its shape until it cures and stays there on its own. God has a given us his word, the Bible, which gives us the form for our lives. It helps to shape us into the people he wants us to be. It sets the boundaries for our lives so that we don’t run all over the place like concrete poured on the ground with no forms. The ingredients of our lives are the experiences we go through. God knows just the right amounts of joy and pain, hardship and prosperity that we need to make us strong and steady. The finish is the part people see. 1 Samuel 16:7 records the Lord said to Samuel, “Man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart.” God is more concerned with what’s under the surface—how our lives are formed, and how strong the mix is, than with outward beauty. Even so, he still takes the time to put an appropriate finish on us. He smoothes out the rough spots and gives us shine that reflects the strength he has given us deep inside. May He continue to build you up into a solid child of God. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
May 2016
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