Over the next few weeks the students will be discussing the foundation of our lives and the materials in which we choose to build upon said foundation.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."

 
As Christ is the foundation of our lives we need to be keenly aware of the materials we place in our lives.  It is easy for us to use cheap materials that are temporary and unworthy of the foundation they are laid upon.  We have a God just waiting to gift us with materials of gold, silver, and costly stones; yet we choose many times to build with wood, hay, or straw.  It is no wonder we find ourselves wanting and striving to understand why God has not blessed the work of our lives.  Look at what we build with. 

Look at the relationships of your life and whether the materials of that relationship are from God or of lesser value.  What about the the work of your life?  Is it done to your best, being a reflection of the gift you are giving back to God?  What about your family?  Are you building into their lives with cheap materials in hopes of God blessing work that is lacking his quality?  Are you building upon the foundation of Christ in respects to your relationship with God?  What ought to be the biggest and best "room" on the foundation of our lives is often the one build the cheapest. 

We can always escape through the flames as Paul put it, but why not build a house that shines like a beacon proclaiming the greatness and awesomeness of God.  Something worthy of what he has given to each and every one of us.  Each one of us will have our materials tested.  What are you working with?