Starting Points
Given the same opportunity, can anyone succeed?
According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building on it. Each builder must choose with care how to build on it. - 1 Corinthians 3:10
Today's reading makes me think about starting points and opportunities to succeed in life.
The starting point Paul gives us is the foundation of a building, the building representing our life, perhaps. The foundation of the building is the same for all who believe, and yet the buildings we build may be very different indeed.
Of course, what we have to work with matters, and it matters a lot. Those who can afford to buy good materials will be able to build bigger and more beautiful houses on that foundation, but size and elaborate details may not be goal.
For some, just having a shelter may be the priority, while others seek greater comforts and even luxury.
The message I hear in what Paul is saying is that we are all given the same starting point. Jesus has laid the foundation and it is up to us to build the house.
The tools and supplies we have available to us are not the same, and neither are our plans. If we plan beyond our abilities and means, we will fail to build anything.
I wonder, then, if given the same access to resources, we would all build the same homes.
Most likely we would not. What we envision for ourselves in life is different, so what we choose to do with what is available to us must be as well, right?
This week, as we plan to celebrate and give thanks for all God has given us, we should give some thought to what we have done with the resources we have. Have we build a strong house on the foundation, or have we veered from our building plan.
And if we find we need to make some adjustments to the design, now would be a good time to do it.
Some say that in a perfect world all would have the same resources, the same opportunities, the same skills. But I wonder if that vision of perfection is what God had in mind when He created us to be in His image.
It may just be up to us to make the most of what we have and where we are. That is easy to say if I am comfortable in life, but not if I am struggling.
So, perhaps the challenge we have this season of thanksgiving is to come together and share, so all may enjoy what we have together.
That may be the way to build on this foundation we have been given.
It's worth a try, isn't it?
More to come...