A Tale of Two Builders, Two Homes, Two Hearers

It was reported today that the two model homes recently constructed in the Faith Heights section of Christian Boulevard overlooking the Sea of Time took the brunt of the record breaking winds and rains that accompanied yesterday's storm, Hurricane Prove-Authenticity. Although the two houses were both built with similar design and materials, they suffered different outcomes. One house was swept into the sea with its occupant, Mr. Foolish, because its foundation was built on a sandy cliff. The neighboring home, owned by Mr. Wiseman, survived the onslaught of the pounding surf, torrential rains and relentless winds. The survival of Mr. Wiseman's home was due to its solid foundation on a rock ledge. Area building inspectors gave a post-storm analysis of the tragic collapse of the Mr. Foolish's house. To build such an elaborate home on shifting sand shows how short-sighted and temporally minded the builder was. He failed to take into consideration the inevitable erosion caused by the Sea of Time and changing weather. He was obviously not prepared for a perilous storm such as Prove-Authenticity. Although the difference between the homes of Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Foolish was not apparent to the average viewer, the construction of Mr. Foolish's mansion was in violation of code which requires all homes to be built upon a rock foundation. Mr. Wiseman took advantage of the rock ledge known as 'Obedience' for the secure foundation for his new home.

Those in the Faith Heights neighborhood remarked that Mr. Foolish was a good friend of Mr. Wiseman. Recently they both were seen sitting next to each other in church where they listened to a series on Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount. The messages had a much more profound effect upon Mr. Wiseman than Mr. Foolish. Both of them heard the description Jesus gave of the quality of life required in His kingdom. Mr. Wiseman chose to become poor in spirit. Mr. Foolish did not. Mr. Wiseman chose to hate sin and mourn how it affects man's relationship with God and impacts the world. Mr. Foolish did not. Mr. Wiseman chose to become meek and submit to the Lordship of Christ for a total life overhaul. Mr. Foolish did not. Mr. Wiseman chose to be merciful. Mr. Foolish did not. Mr. Wiseman chose to count the cost of being a fully devoted follower of Christ and suffer persecution. Mr. Foolish did not. Mr. Wiseman chose to embrace Christ's standard of righteousness rather than that of the Status Quo. Mr. Foolish did not. Mr. Wiseman recognized his need for action against the corrupting influences of lust, anger, dishonesty, vengefulness, pride and selfishness. Mr. Foolish did not. Mr. Wiseman chose to live his life before an audience of One, and seek the pleasure of the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ. Mr. Foolish lived to impress others, and this became obvious when he ministered, prayed and fasted. Mr. Foolish was anxious about his material needs. Mr. Wiseman laid up his treasures in heaven and trusted God for his daily provisions. Mr. Wiseman knew that he did not have the life and the love that God required. Mr. Foolish did not. Mr. Wiseman chose to ask, seek and knock, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. Mr. Foolish did not. Mr. Wiseman recognized that he needed to enter the gate of God's plan of salvation and walk the narrow way of dependency upon God. Mr. Foolish did not. He admired the truths but chose to go the way of his peers who found ample reasons to accept the norms of contemporary society rather than becoming a fully devoted follower of Christ.

Although both Mr. Wiseman and Mr. Foolish occasionally carpooled to work and church, attended these same meetings, and heard the same message, only one of them did anything about it.

Mr. Foolish is forgotten. We would be wise to remember.

(Matthew 5-7).

Building and being built together,