Three-story House

After Miguel was promoted to a high-paying managerial job, he immediately proposed to his fiancee. Now he could afford to build his three-story dream house. 

Why three stories? He wanted to lord it over everyone’s house in the small village where he grew up—to show that he, the once-poor boy, had arrived. 

The beautiful house became the neighborhood’s landmark. Miguel reveled in all the compliments he received for his “tower,” which he felt symbolized his success, how lofty he had become.   

Fast forward to 30 years later. Miguel started suffering from knee arthritis, and had a hard time going up and down the stairs. Because it was a struggle to go up, he converted his first-floor den into the master’s bedroom. And after his two children had gotten married, the two upper floors had become uninhabited and useless. 

Those of us who are in our senior years feel the “wear and tear” of time. Painful joints, reduced mobility and faculties are part of the natural cycle of life. 

Miguel’s symbol of success had become a monument to his pride. In another two years, he sold the house to pay for his expensive medical expenses. He and his wife moved to a one-bedroom townhouse. 

“There’s nothing wrong with having a three-story house,” his neighbors would talk behind his back. “But to build one because you want to be exalted is another story.”   

Scripture has a message to the proud, “For the Lord of Heaven’s Armies has a day of reckoning. He will punish the proud and mighty and bring down everything that is exalted.” (Isaiah 2:12)  

Thoughts to reflect on:  

My past glories do not define who I am. But my relationship with the Lord does. Pride must be shunned under all circumstances.  

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