For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 1 Cor. 3:11.

Each of us is a builder, whether we purpose to be one or not. Every one of us determines whether to build on rock or on sand, whether to build with gold, silver, precious stones, or with wood, hay, and stubble. Building for eternity is not based on any mood of indifference to things as they are. A day of trial is just ahead of us that will test every man's work. Fire will purify the gold, the silver, and precious stones. It will consume the wood, hay, and stubble.

Noah was divinely commissioned to build an ark. In building, Noah followed divine directions. He used the finest plans, the hardest wood. He put forth the most diligent, persevering effort. He built to endure the Flood. He thereby saved his family and condemned the rest of the world who built with wood, hay, and stubble.

The day of the Lord is coming. That day will not be all sweetness and light. The time of trouble will shake everything that can be shaken. The final movements in our world's history will not take place in an attitude of careless contentment. There is no future for those who build their house upon that which will not stand the final test. It is a shame to fool voting people with the idea that all you have to do with God is to "get by."

To build our lives on Christ is indeed the primary essential. Yet it is not enough to have the right foundation. The foundation alone does not spell out the finished work of God for our lives. Christ cannot be the living vine without branches and fruit. Neither can a foundation be laid in our lives without growing into a temple of the Lord.

What matters from here on is the quality of the edifice that is rising upon the foundation. It is possible to start out with the right foundation and yet not stand the test at the final day. What is the sum total of the material we are putting into our lives—the wood of inconsistent behavior, the hay and straw of an empty profession, the stubble of selfishness? Such a building will never hold together in a storm. The divine foundation calls for a corresponding superstructure. Daily we must build with Christ for now and for eternity.