Sandcastles

“But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.” (Matt. 7:24 NIV)

Every year, the U.S. Sand Sculpting Challenge is held on the beaches of San Diego, California. Sculptors construct elaborate works of art, and spectators gather to watch and cheer them on. The competitors try to outdo each other, vying to be the best at building temporary structures. Meanwhile, a few miles inland, there is real construction going on--buildings that will last for generations.

Most of us spend our lives constructing sandcastles--tangible, palpable, visible manifestations of our abilities. We compete and compare with others on the beach who are erecting similar temporary structures. Meanwhile, we are oblivious to the permanent building projects that are going on nearby in the Spiritual dimension.

The Spirit expresses truth. Yet, as long as we remain consumed by our own sand projects, we cannot practice the truth or build anything solid or lasting. The integrity of our souls depends on turning away from the material world and focusing on what is perpetually meaningful.