Pack Rats and She Sheds

I’ve been studying 1 Corinthians and came across a portion of scripture that brought to mind my latest backyard project, my ‘she shed’.

“By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any one builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their 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 person’s work.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-13

Paul, of course is speaking of the foundation he laid with the Corinthian church, that of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Revealing to them the mysteries of Christ as they were able to receive them. He explained to them that you can only lay a foundation once, (all you contractors and builders out there shaking your heads, bear with me for a minute). The foundation on which we build, not only stabilizes the structure, it also helps to form the structure. So yes, while you can lift a building and place it on a different foundation, it will not replace the original. The form of the building will always be based on the original foundation.

This all brought to mind my new shed. Yes I have been planning for the past year or so to replace my Tuff shed, with a new ‘she shed’. Over the past several years my ever faithful Tuff shed has weathered the Arizona desert heat, wind, storms and more heat. It has stood the test for 10 years. A few years ago I  noticed that the wooden frame foundation, that we built for the shed to stand on, had begun to rot. In fact it was rotting, being eaten away by squirrels, pack rats, bugs, you name it, the foundation was falling apart. Not long after I noticed the foundation, I began to notice the doors not closing properly, the roof no longer square was beginning to lift and the whole structure was starting to come apart.

There is a lot you can take from this. Why did I build a wooden foundation? Why did I wait so long before trying to fix the shed? Both good questions I’ll share my thoughts. The foundation was wood because it was cheap, easy and fast. I didn’t fix it sooner because the changes were so gradual over time that it wasn’t until I could barely open the door (it became inconvenient for me) that I really stepped back to see the dilapidation that my hasty building practices and lack of investment had caused.

Our foundation can not be cheap, fast or easy. Our foundation in Christ is tempered with time, testing, and trials. It is based on our relationship with our creator and comes at a cost which can not be valued. When we invest the time and make the sacrifices necessary for a solid foundation, nothing can uproot, or destroy it. “Truly He is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in Him at all times, you people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.” Psalm 62:6-8

We must continually check for cracks and crevices, making sure to keep our foundation strong by keeping it free from what would chip it away, eat at it or wear it down. The best test of the strength of our foundation, is our building. Is it straight, and strong? When we find something out of alignment, do we bring it to the Light and work with the Holy Spirit to repair and replace where necessary. When we are good stewards of what God has provided us, and we build with the best materials, only then will our house stand strong against the winds blow and the rains pound; it will stand strong against the forces that work to bring it down.

Our lives will only be as strong as the foundation on which we build them. Nothing can substitute for that. If we have our foundation in Christ, in His teachings, on His Word, nothing can shake you.  While our foundation is strong, we must also build wisely. Using materials that are proven to stand the test of time; as Paul mentioned gold, silver and precious stones which do not rust, wear or burn; as opposed to wood, hay or straw, which are weak and easily consumed. “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me – put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians 4;8:9

What are the things that gnaw away at your foundation? Is it the way you spend your time? Is it the people you chose hang out with? Is it what you watch on TV or read in your free time. What is slowly chipping away at your foundation, at your life? God is faithful and will shore up those areas in your life if you give them over completely to Him. Having Christ as  your foundation means that EVERYTHING in your life is built on Him, everything! Not some things, not most things, everything.

My ‘she shed’ will be built, hopefully this year. I will invest in a solid foundation and strong materials so that I will be able to enjoy it with my family for years to come.

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