Wednesday, March 26, 2008

BUILDING BETTER LIVES

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer of many years about his plans to quit building houses and enjoy his family and some free time. He would miss his check but they would get by. He just needed to retire. The contractor was sorry to see him go, for he had been a faithful worker many years. He asked him if he would build just one more house as a personal favor. The man said yes, but his heart was no longer in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship, used inferior materials and worked far too quickly. But after all, it was just last job and no one could fire him for bad work now.

When the house was finished, his employer inspected the house and then handed him the door keys.  "This is your house," he said, "my gift to you." The carpenter was shocked! If only he had known he was building his own home, he'd have done it all so differently. What a shame!

You and I build our lives one day at a time, often putting into it less than our best. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the "house" we have built. And we cannot go back. We are the carpenters. With each nail we drive, each board we cut, and each wall we build, we are constructing the house we live in. Today's actions and decisions certainly affect our life tomorrow.

Give thanks to the Lord that He forgives us and gives us a second chance! If we had no living Lord of Easter, all our foolish decisions, rebellious actions and selfishness would collapse our life around us. Without our living Lord Jesus, our lives would be nothing but disaster. 

But with Him, we have hope for the future. Trusting in Jesus, we are assured of eternal life, despite how poorly we may have lived in the past. By faith in Jesus, even the most rickedy of lives can be salvaged and made strong. So, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."  (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Build your life wisely! 

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