Finding the Right Foundation for Your Life

Foundations are important. My husband and I discovered this first-hand when we were looking for our first house. The real estate agent took us to a “bargain” fixer-upper property with foundation problems.
 
When we stepped into the house, we quickly saw that the foundation problems were indeed serious. Many of the floors were visibly slanted. Some of the doors were difficult to open. And when I placed a pen on the kitchen counter, it began to roll.

We’re living in a time when we’re swamped with advice. Between YouTube videos, self-help books, and self-appointed gurus, it’s easy to become confused. With all this advice available, it’s all too easy to build your life on the wrong foundation.

This week’s Bible reading tells us the main thing that we need to know about finding the right foundation for life in 1 Corinthians 3:10-11. The Apostle Paul says:

[10] According to the grace of God given to me, like a skilled master builder I laid a foundation, and someone else is building upon it. Let each one take care how he builds upon it. [11] For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (ESV)

Paul’s advice about foundations also reminds me of a favorite parable about foundations that I learned as a child. In Matthew 7:24-25, Jesus says:

[24] “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. [25] And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. (ESV)

Without a doubt, foundations are important. As a Christian, the foundation upon which your life is built is the most important of all. As our Bible reading teaches us, Jesus Christ is our foundation. Despite what advice you might find on YouTube or in self-help books, there is no other foundation for a Christian life.

So, how do you build a strong foundation based on Jesus Christ? Whether you’re currently building your own life foundation or helping those entrusted to you (children, grandchildren, family members…) find their firm foundation, you’ll want to turn to some of the resources that God has given us:

1. God’s Word. The Bible is the foremost authority on Jesus and God’s plan for our lives. Try to spend time in it every day.
2. God’s shepherds. Pastors and Godly teachers are an important part of God’s plan for Christian life. If you’re not part of a Godly church, take steps to find one.
3. Godly friends and community. Believing friends are great for accountability and can also be great sources of advice and comfort.
Also, as a Christian, you can communicate directly with God through prayer. Making prayer a regular part of your life also helps you to build that firm foundation.

Is Jesus Christ your rock and firm foundation? Are your children, grandchildren, and other loved ones building a firm foundation for their lives?

These articles follow our church-wide reading plan. To read with us, click here.