Building on firm foundations

To build any good and  lasting construction, you first have to start with good strong foundations. Very often, these are the unseen part of any building, created by a few people digging away and dealing with adverse conditions.

The foundations will determine the size and shape of the finished construction. Generally speaking, the bigger the final building, the more time and effort will be needed in foundation work. This is very true with church life too.

The bible talks about the importance of good foundations. For our lives, Christ is our only firm foundation. How and what we build on that foundation matters too.

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.–  1 Corinthians 13:9-11

Our foundation has already been laid, but how we build on it is of interest to God. We need to build with good materials and in a way that will last.

It’s also at the foundational level that we should count the cost of the final building.

For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it— 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish’? – Luke 14:28-30

We need to take a good look at the foundations of our lives and be sure we are prepared to build what God has planned for us. Stand firm on that foundation and give all we have to building what God has determined for our lives.

In Mathew we are shown a picture of two people with the same ambition, to build a good house. In fact you could say they both wanted to build a good solid life.

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.

26 “But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” – Matthew 7:24-27

They both heard from the architect and master builder, but only one did exactly what he was told and took the time to build on solid foundations. We must build our life on the rock, even though it might seem more difficult.

He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice,

A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He. – Deuteronomy 32:4

Be sure your life is being built on the rock, no matter how tough that may be at times. Anything on the sand will fall when the storms of life come.

Be sure to count the cost, so that you don’t find yourself starting something you will never finish.

Be sure you’re building with the best materials, giving your all to make your life pleasing to God and as He intended for you.