A wealthy man had a friend who was a builder. The builder was down on his luck and hadn’t done much work lately. The wealthy man felt sorry for him and decided he would help him out. He offered him a set of plans and a check for $300,000. The philanthropic gentleman said, “I want you to build me a new home. I’m turning the entire project over to you. You make all the decisions. If you do a good job, I promise to pay you well.”
The builder was very excited. He could finally start earning some good money. But he started thinking, “If I cut a few corners here and there maybe I could pocket some of that $300,000.” So he went out and bought the cheapest concrete he could find. He had the cement mixer water it down so it would stretch further. He saved four or five thousand dollars right there.
Then contractor went out and found the least expensive lumber he could fine. Some of the wood was bent and warped. He didn’t care since it would be hidden behind the walls. He did the same thing with the plumbing, the electrical work, cutting corners and saving money. When the job was completed, he had saved nearly $40,000, which he discreetly buried in his own bank account.
He called his wealthy friend to take a look at the finished house. The purchaser was quite impressed. On the surface, the home appeared to be beautiful. The prosperous gentleman never guessed the builder had cut corners, compromising the integrity of the whole house.
The builder was ecstatic as he recognized how pleased the owner was. He could not wait to see how much he was going to be paid.
As the wealthy man walked to the front door, he turned slowly with a grin on his face and said to the builder, “You know, I don’t really need this home. I already have a beautiful home.” Then he handed the builder the keys, and said, “Here, my friend. This is for you. You’ve just built yourself a brand new home.”
You and I are always building our own homes. Whether it is on the job or in your church, you are building a reputation or character of integrity. When you cut corners by being dishonest on your job or failing to give your best, you are hurting yourself. If you never have time to build God’s house with our time and talents, you are hurting yourself.
Your poor foundational decisions will affect your future. You may look good on the outside, but inside you know the walls are starting to crumble.
Are you watering down your foundation because of a lack of integrity? What kind of materials are you placing in your life? Be you using the best materials to build your marriage and your service to the Lord or are you skimping?
From Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen.
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