Cornerstone

 

   

 On October 13, 1782, the cornerstone for the presidential residence was laid. George Washington was president at the time, but it was John Adams that became the first president to live in it. It became known as the “White House” because it was constructed with white-gray Virginia freestone and contrasted dramatically with the red brick buildings nearby. 

     A cornerstone is an important part of a building.  It is usually the first stone set in the construction of a masonry foundation. The placing of the stone is important because all the other stones of the foundation will be set in reference to this one stone and establishes the position of an entire structure. 

     Just as the cornerstone is important in the foundation of a building, the same could be said of our hearts/souls. They are the core or very foundation of everything we do from how we live our lives to take care of our bodies. Every action, thought and word comes from our hearts and souls.

     The heart and soul is where our faith and value system resides. Our faith shapes our morals and values. These things are the cornerstone- the place from which everything we do, say or think is built around. But where does this faith system come from? Is it something we came up with on our own, or is it something that comes from a higher power?

     Where we get our faith system determines what kind of building we will be, and how we will build our lives around it. What will we stand for? How will we act and take care of our self and those around us? Will people stop and want to be near our building because it is not only attractive but welcoming?  Or will people hurry by to get away from its coldness, gloom, meanness, or starkness? Will light come pouring from the windows and are the doors open? Or will the shades be pulled down and doors locked so that nobody will get in or want to try? 

  

     Where we get our faith system determines how well our cornerstone will hold up in a bad storm, a flood or enemy attack. If our faith system is man-made, it can only take one storm of life to undermine the foundation. But if we are relying on the supernatural power of the Lord and His Word, then the cornerstone will be solid and able to withstand all of life’s storms and enemy attacks. 

     Man is finite, but God is infinite. Man has limited power and resources; whereas, God is able to do anything and everything because he is omnipotent. Because man has a hard time relinquishing his power and loves to be in control, it is hard for him to rely on the unseen God. Each person has to learn that as humans we can only do so much, but through the power of God we can do anything if we have faith enough. 

     Is there a storm on the horizon? Perhaps an enemy is coming to attack? What is your cornerstone made from and will it be able to withstand whatever is coming next? The good thing is no matter who you are or what you have used as your cornerstone; the Lord can come by your invitation and strengthen it. For those who believe, Jesus is faithful and loving and always there for us giving us strength to endure whatever life throws our way.

 

 

  It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected,    which has become the cornerstone. Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:10b-12