Truth

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Christ Jesus. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. (1 Corinthians 3:11-13)

I was thinking about this verse and my life, what my foundation is. I think right now I'm closer to God than I have been in the past and that makes it easier for me to see some of my past mistakes. I see my foolishness and the things I had made myself believe. I see how I had tried to justify my actions and feelings. The big one? Twisting the Scriptures to fit my plan and what I wanted.

The re-defining of our faith. Times when we take everything we believe and all we know about God and start turning it, molding it into something more suitable for us. Something that fits better into our lifestyle and makes us feel better about the choices we are making. What could God possibly detest more? To take His gift, His love, grace, mercy, and compassion and spin it for our own benefit. And for what? To ease our consciences? To avoid facing His conviction? To keep our precious pride intact by never having to admit we're wrong? To allow us to live in ways we shouldn't be living anyway? It's practically laughing off everything He has done for us, including Jesus' sacrifice. A crucifixion that meant nothing - how does that sound?

It's no wonder we encounter hard times because we bring them on ourselves. We leave God no choice but to exercise judgment on us. And then we have the nerve to ask why it's happening. A little awareness and recognition of ourselves wouldn't hurt, would it?

"The truth shall set you free." There is one foundation, one truth. Everything we are and do must fit into the pattern already provided by Him. We can try our best to change His way of doing things but it is unchanging. Only in His ways will we find freedom, joy and happiness. Only on the foundation that has already been laid.