In house building, strict attention to every detail is required, and craftsmanship of a high order is necessary to achieve a satisfactory result. The walls should be solid and strong and provide secure support for the roof, which should be durable and weatherproof. Doors of pleasing design are set up to afford easy access, and windows installed to allow for air and light. Such a structure can be erected to a great variety of designs and can provide lasting comfort and protection to the occupier for many years.

We haven't mentioned one vital component, however— the foundation. It wouldn't make good sense, after all, to start building on a base that is inadequate and subject to sinkage and fracture. How long would the completed structure stand on an unstable foundation? Inevitably it would show signs of weakness, begin to sink and crack—even collapse—when subjected to the stresses and buffeting of the elements.

Christ Jesus revealed his knowledge of good building practice in his Sermon on the Mount when he discoursed on the essential steps to take when setting up a house that would be stable and enduring. Such a house has to be built on a solid rock foundation, not erected on a sandy base that can become unstable in times of severe storm and flood. The Master's parable was meant to show us the foundation on which we need to build our lives. He said: "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock." Jesus went on to say that one who did not obey his teachings was building on sand. When the floods and winds struck such a house, he said, "It fell: and great was the fall of it." ^{See Matt. 7:24–27.}

Those who love God readily accept that a life founded on the rock of Christ, Truth, cannot be shaken or overwhelmed by a surge of error, whether coming in the form of fear, envy, malice, or human will. A life built in conformity with Christ will weather any storm, for truly God, Love, protects those of humble, trusting heart who look to Him with expectancy at all times.

Mrs. Eddy writes in Science and Health: "The supremacy of Spirit was the foundation on which Jesus built. His sublime summary points to the religion of Love." ^{Science and Health, p. 138.} We learn in Christian Science that when we are activated by right motives and aims, the divine law of Spirit supports and defends such aspirations, for in divine reality man is the spiritual idea of God. He forever reflects the harmony, creative power, and intelligence of divine Mind. And divine Principle, God, governs His reflection, man.

Some years ago, although having had little business experience, I established a building contracting company. My intention was to provide an honest service to the community, but soon I became entangled in a difficult situation. One aspect of my responsibilities involved costing and estimating for work and for maintaining continuity of employment for our skilled labor force. Although work was scarce in the private sector, public contracts were available from the local City Authorities. Competition for these contracts was always intense.

On one occasion I keenly priced a works schedule for certain specialized construction items, and this offer was formally accepted by the City Architect. Later on, however, after rechecking the priced tender copy and recosting the work involved, I realized with some dismay that the firm could face a severe financial loss because of the keenness of the quotation, the uncertain weather, and the material supply situation.

What could be done about the matter? The signed tender was legally binding, and on the face of it there seemed no honorable way of escape from the agreement.

As a student of Christian Science, although faced with a seemingly insoluble problem, I refuse to panic. Instead I turn in prayer to the one omniscient Mind, God, the source of all right ideas, for guidance. Any human endeavor undertaken with a right motive can afford opportunities to prove God's care and direction, as the harmonious solution to the problem becomes apparent and is intelligently implemented. Science and Health states, "The Father in secret is unseen to the physical senses, but He knows all things and rewards according to motives, not according to speech." ^{Ibid., p. 15.}

After praying about the situation along these lines, I got out the price copy again and began studying the technical specification. It seemed in order. Then I spotted a mistake in the detailed instructions applicable to certain labor items specified in the contract that I saw were impracticable. I wrote to the corporation officer concerned and pointed out the error. Soon an official letter arrived canceling the formal acceptance and the original priced tender. Later, amended schedule forms for repricing this particular contract were reissued by the City Authority.

What lessons did I learn from this experience? Certainly I learned the need to claim God's unfailing provision for His creation and to have faith in God's just reward for right thinking and doing. I also realized the need to claim my identity as God's man, who eternally reflects the qualities of Mind—qualities of wisdom, perception, and intelligence.

Interestingly, a good relationship was established over many years with the city officials, who provided numerous opportunities for contractors to undertake varied works that benefited the community.

In the continuing spiritual adventure of understanding the true nature and character of God, man, and the universe, we learn that man is neither wise nor foolish in the usual human sense of the words, but is in reality our Father's beloved child, created to express His immortal beauty, wisdom, and power. The Bible tells us that Moses sang of God: "I will publish the name of the Lord: ascribe ye greatness unto our God. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he." ^{Deut. 32:3, 4.} This declaration is one on which we can build our lives with confidence and total surety of support.

As I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. ... Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.

Joshua 1:5, 9