Building To Avoid An Implosion

May 22, 2023/in Monday Manna /by Robert J. Tamasy

From time to time, we see videos of a large building being imploded. Explosives planted at strategic points are detonated in precise sequence and suddenly, “Boom!” Within seconds a structure that may have taken years to construct is destroyed, transformed into little more than rubble.

Many of us still vividly remember the images of the Twin Towers at New York City’s World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001, when terrorist-controlled jet airliners crashed into them. The shock of seeing fire blazing and smoke billowing intensified when the once-proud, shining skyscrapers collapsed into heaps.

Sights like these are spectacular and mesmerizing, not only for how quickly and powerfully a massive building can be brought to the ground, but also as reminders of how something that was seemingly built to endure can quickly become a scene of utter devastation.

We all have heard about similar “implosions” in the lives and careers of prominent business and professional leaders, politicians, celebrities, athletes, and other well-known individuals. Perhaps you could cite the names of several without more than a moment’s thought. Similarly, there have been highly respected businesses and organizations, ones whose products and services we enjoyed, that were destroyed under the weight of various scandals, unethical practices, and illegal activities.

These calamities bring to mind the lament of David, the imminent king of ancient Israel, upon learning of the deaths of King Saul and his son, Jonathan. “How the mighty have fallen!” (2 Samuel 1:19).

In some instances, destruction could never have been predicted. However, in most cases the explosions that level a building – or one’s reputation and legacy – have been in the works for a long time. Trails of deceit, moral and ethical failures might have been concealed for a while, but they will come to light. The Bible gives ample warning of this, along with safeguards we can use. Here are several examples:

Never consider yourself ‘failure-proof.’ Many have been the leaders and people of influence who boldly considered them impervious to the temptations and snares of questionable or improper behavior and practices. “That could never happen to me,” they declare, until one day – it does. “So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).

Keep in mind the consequences of your actions. “No one will ever know” or, “What harm will be done?” Those are famous last words of countless individuals and companies that chose the paths of compromise, deception, and dishonesty, not considering the repercussions their decisions one day will have in the lives of many men, women, and children. “The memory of the righteous will be a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot” (Proverbs 10:7).

Plan to avoid an implosion. Jesus Christ taught about the dangers of poor planning and lack of proper preparation. The same applies in failing to consider the potential impact of wrongful deeds and behavior. “Why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?… The one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed, and its destruction was complete” (Luke 6:46-49).

© 2023. Robert J. Tamasy has written Marketplace Ambassadors: CBMC’s Continuing Legacy of Evangelism and Discipleship; Business at Its Best: Timeless Wisdom from Proverbs for Today’s Workplace; Pursuing Life With a Shepherd’s Heart, coauthored with Ken Johnson; and The Heart of Mentoring, coauthored with David A. Stoddard. Bob’s biweekly blog is: www.bobtamasy.blogspot.com.