The Games We Play: Jenga
In the game Jenga, players take turns removing one block at a time from a tower constructed of 54 blocks. Each block removed is then placed on top of the tower, creating a progressively taller and more unstable structure. The game ends when the tower collapses; the one who caused the tower to fall is the loser. It’s a game you’re not so much trying to win, but one you’re trying not to lose. And the game is much like life. You can build something for so long, and it can come crashing down in an instant.
Each of us is “building” a life. It’s a life that will eventually face the storms of life. Storms are not a respecter of how much money you make, how health conscious you are or how many possessions you have. The reality we all face is that storms are coming. How can we stand strong in the midst of them? Your stability is determined by your foundation.
The two men in Jesus’ teaching in Matt. 7:24-27 had several similarities. They had the same goal (build a home). They heard the same words. They faced the same storm. But they had differences, too. They had different characters—the first man was wise, the second man was foolish. They had different foundations—rock vs. sand. And they had different results.
What are you building with? I have a foundation, but is it the right foundation? The storms of life reveal your foundation; the quality of your building material (I Cor. 3:10-15). If your life is built with devotion and a desire to grow closer to God, then you’re building with gold and silver. If your life is built with a lackadaisical approach, it’s built on wood, hay and straw.
Apply the words of Jesus: It’s more than just listening or getting information about Jesus. I’ve got to act upon it. I’ve got to make sure I’m purposely applying it. And the storm will reveal the true quality of my character (James 1:22-25). Those who “do” what Jesus says will be those who withstand the storms because their lives are built upon a solid foundation.
Give Jesus His rightful place in your life: My foundation is only as good as my cornerstone. Is Jesus the cornerstone of my life (Eph. 2:19-22)? We get to choose that cornerstone (I Pet. 2:4-8). Have you chosen that which is unstable (health, finances, career), or that which is unchanging (Heb. 13:8)?
What is “one thing” you can do this week to strengthen your foundation in Jesus?
