Your Foundation

Geirr Tveitt found the perfect place to compose music: a farmstead in Hardanger, in southwestern Norway. In this tranquil environment, he generated what one critic called an “unstoppable waterfall” of compositions. But Tveitt, who was very sensitive, did not publish some of these works. Instead, he simply stored them in his farmstead.

Then the unthinkable happened. In 1970, his home burned. As a result, more than 300 manuscripts were lost. Some were reconstructed from other sources. But much of the fruit of his labor was lost forever.

As tragic as this story was for Tveitt, his experience symbolizes a test that awaits all of us, and all our work. Paul wrote that, eventually, everything will be brought to light, and “fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.” Through this judgment, we will find out if we’ve based our lives on perishable things like “wood, hay, straw,” or on the imperishable Word of God.

Jesus, too, warned us, “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19-21).

Ask God to help you evaluate your foundation. Are you laying up treasures on earth? or in Heaven? Remember: “No man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” Make Him the foundation of your life.