Can you name a famous leaning tower? Do you know where it is? Chances are you thought of The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy. Can you think of another one? Did you know that there are over 50 other known slanted spires and tottering towers in the world? Some of them are even more fascinating than the one at Pisa. If you do an internet search on “leaning towers” you’ll see some of the most amazing structures still standing in spite of their vertical slant. While some of them have been intentionally designed and constructed to look that way, most of these famous inclines are a result of earthquakes, nearby sinkholes, or unstable grounds. Of the six structures pictured below only the first one was built on an intentional slant. 

Capital Gate, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Leaning Tower of Nevyansk, Russia

The Huzhu Pagoda, Tianma, China

Söyembikä Tower, Kazan, Republic of Tatarstan, Russi

Abramovskiy Lighthouse in Russia

Kiipsaare Lighthouse In Saaremaa Estonia

 There has been quite a number of leaning lighthouses throughout the world as well. However, none of them were intentionally built that way. First, because they were not meant to be designer buildings, and second, it would have defeated their purpose, which is to stand strong against all kinds of weather. The main reason for their inclination has been erosion. Many of them have been carefully relocated to more stable grounds in order to prevent them from collapsing. One of them is the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in S.C. It is the tallest lighthouse in North America.

 “It’s only a matter of time before an unattended leaning lighthouse collapses leaving those who depend on its light totally lost in darkness.”

Unlike famous leaning towers, spiritually leaning Christians are definitely not something to be admired. They are what the bible refers to as “lukewarm” believers who are actually despised by God. They are, what I consider, spiritually tilted lighthouses.  It’s only a matter of time before an unattended leaning lighthouse collapses leaving those who depend on its light totally lost in darkness. That is why we, as God’s lighthouses, need to reflect the true light of Christ in our everyday lifestyle. In other words, the faith and ideals that influence our behavior must stem from a genuine relationship with God and obedience to His word. We cannot profess to love and follow Jesus if we are not living according to His precepts. If our standard of righteousness is not based on what God has already declared to be right and wrong then our moral foundation is simply humanistic, and self-centered. It is like an unstable ground that will eventually erode. The result will affect not only our own spiritual life but also of those whom we come in contact with on a day-to-day basis. Remember, as professed followers of Christ, we are accountable for our private as well as our public testimony. What we say and do and the motives behind it will eventually be judged one day. And I am sure that when that day comes none of us want to hear those terrifying words, “depart from me…I do not know you!”

“…committing to spiritual disciplines along with a conscious effort to remain true to God will prove to be the best way to stand firm and avert spiritual tilting.”

The only way to prevent spiritual tilting is to build on solid ground. This means that our faith must be placed in Christ and in Him alone. It also means that we are to obey His word and not just simply agree with it. In addition, we must avoid being influenced by the seemingly logical and sanctimonious ideologies of this world. This may prove to be quite a challenge since we are constantly being bombarded by them through the media. However, committing to spiritual disciplines along with a conscious effort to remain true to God will prove to be the best way to stand firm and avert spiritual tilting. We must realize that no matter what else we do nothing will be more effective than investing time in intense (not just casual) prayer, in-depth Bible study, regular fellowship, intentional witnessing and wholehearted service in God’s kingdom. My pastor recently shared with me how frustrated and disappointed he was at the fact that Christians today spend more time on social media than they do in prayer, fasting, and the word of God. And by the amount of spiritually leaning lighthouses I see, I must agree with him.

Many leaning lighthouses have been saved from destruction by moving them away from their deteriorating foundation and onto a more stable one. This has allowed them to once again stand up erect and fulfill their intended purpose. Perhaps you have built your lighthouse on eroding grounds and it is slowing tilting. The solution is to relocate to solid ground immediately! The Bible tells us that he who builds upon the rocks cannot be moved. Storms may come and darkness may linger, but when you are firmly anchored in Christ you can stand up against any adversity including false doctrines. Remember, an unattended leaning lighthouse will eventually collapse and the damage can extend much farther than the tower itself.

Prayer: Dear Jesus, my desire is to be firmly grounded in You. May my life reflect your truth and holiness in my private as well as my public testimony. Help me to stay true to your word so that I may walk uprightly and honor you in all I do. But should my lighthouse start to lean towards the mindset of this world, quicken my heart to repent and avoid a spiritual collapse. I pray this to the Father in your name, Amen. 

SCRIPTURES
“So because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth!” -Revelation 3:16 (NET)

“If you love me, obey my commandments.” -John 14:15 (NLT)

“Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time because the days are evil.” -Ephesians 5:15-16

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” -2 Corinthians 5:10.

“Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.” -Matthew 7:23 (WEB)

“Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” –Romans 12:2 (NLT)

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock.” -Matthew 7:24-25

-ALL SCRIPTURE IS QUOTED FROM THE NIV EXCEPT WHERE SPECIFIED.