“I . . . reflect on that part of our lives that nobody sees — the foundation, the world that lies beneath the surface. The space where holy disciplines and hidden sins grow. It is from this interior, private world that our public lives will thrive or falter.”- Jeff Manion
On Day 22 (“The Foundation”), Week 5 of Dream Big, Think Small, Jeff Manion asserts that, for better or worse, your private self usually manifests itself in public. Therefore, about the ground all seems well. But, trouble arises if and when an implosion occurs. Because people exposed to the rubble then find it difficult to remember one’s positive, life-giving side.
Certainly, that might not seem fair – that people remember a devastating fall rather than steady goodness. As a result, Oswald Chambers once urged his readers to pay attention to the occurrences beneath the surface. Oswald advised:
“We are only what we are in the dark; all the rest is reputation. What God looks at is what we are in the dark — the imagination of our minds, the thoughts of our heart; the habits of our bodies; these are the things that mark us in God’s sight.”
Hence, Pastor Manion exhorts, it’s crucial to detect sin patterns while they remain small and operable. Consequently, every so often ask yourself what’s brewing beneath the surface. Jeff adds:
“This is where we quiet ourselves before our Creator, where we plead for mercy, confessing we are not right. Our hearts are the soil where grace grows, where healthy roots plunge deep, nurturing life above ground.”
In conclusion, Jeff encourages, believe that hope exists. For it’s never too late to get back in the race. Or begin building on a new foundation.
Today’s question: What Bible verses support you as you build on or strengthen your foundation? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Cowardly and self-centered — or courageous?”
