Foundation

Some time ago I watched a piece online about the foundation and structure that was designed to support the Target Center in Minneapolis. I have to tell you, the amount of planning that went into creating the subterranean structure was beyond my comprehension and quite awe-inspiring. Most home foundations today are a fairly simple design. Once the engineering is figured out and they establish the requirements for a worthy base, a crew will dig down and develop a level place in the ground. Then they will lay down a gravel bed underneath and construct forms to pour a concrete footing; one which the entire weight and structure of the house will rest upon. It wasn’t simple for the arena when they built it. If you know anything about the Minneapolis sub-terrain, you know that there is an unseen cliff which passes under the city and right under the Target Center. It is hidden beneath all the relatively level ground where we walk or drive.

In addition to that, there are both natural and man-made tunnels that meander under the city. Because of these underground issues, much research went into how to create a stable structure to support the large facility. To raise a solid stable structure above; one that would last, the architects had to thoroughly know and understand every aspect of what lay beneath the ground. One of the chief designers said that the foundational under-structure of the event facility is a work of art and a feat of engineering; one that would sadly never again be seen by anyone. While unseen, it’s still down there, doing its job. The truth is, the only visible proof of the quality and durability of the foundation is the obvious and visible stability of the structure built on top.

We all want stability

People long for stability today. Beyond architecture, they look for it in family, business plans, purchases, love interests, government, and finances, to name a few. There is something within all of us that sees stability as a good and desirable trait.  Few people enter into anything without at least considering its stability. We recently acquired a used car. Days of test-driving one after another passed when we settled on the most stable option for the price. Believe me, we test-drove some that outwardly looked like an amazing deal, but driving proved unnerving. One particular car, the engine ran roughly and many parts would rattle. It looked good outside but something was wrong. Needless to say, we walked quickly away from that one. Similarly, caring parents desire stability for their sons and daughters as they begin to leave the nest; good friends-circle, good spouses, good jobs, healthy lives, etc. But true and lasting stability is only possible when it is established upon a sure foundation. Before you can build a stable structure, you need a good foundation. It takes time and effort to make the base solid enough to build something lasting on top. Laying the right foundation assures the potential for strength, and knowing your foundation informs your possibilities and outlines your limitations.

Solid Rock

I am sure you are aware that the Bible makes reference to this concept when it comes to our own righteous stability. The Apostle Paul said to the Corinthians, “For no one can lay a foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1Cor 3:11) If you are one of God’s redeemed, you have a firm and sure foundation beneath you to build your life upon. Jesus is the unseen foundation beneath us. There is something comforting about that, isn’t there? For the Christian, we’re guaranteed heaven, we are safe from hell. We have a unique but universal purpose, acceptance, all things that pertain to life and godliness, and the spirit of God to empower us to walk in His will. Our God is perfect and His word infallible. He is our Foundation; He in us and us in Him… firmly connected. This is also something equally daunting as well. Consider this for a moment, is the stability of what is visible in your life reflective of your unseen foundation? It should be, shouldn’t it? The fact that perhaps it isn’t says something about your understanding of your foundation, or it says you lack the true foundation.

Religion or Relationship

In our day, it is easy to take an intellectual approach to Christianity instead of a relational (intellectual = no foundation, relational = with foundation). Another way to say it is, do you find yourself attempting to live in accordance with the philosophy of Christianity or in a loving relationship with Jesus? One is man’s religion and the other is the way of the Savior; one is false and one true. Which one are you?

What Jesus says…

Jesus spoke about two builders in Luke chapter 6. One chose to build his house on the sandy topsoil while the other dug down to find a solid rock to build upon. On a nice sunny day, I’m certain that both of those houses would have looked equally livable and capable. But when the wind and the rain rose up against them, the first house “immediately collapsed and the ruin of it was great”, Jesus said. Only one stood through the storm unshaken; the one built on the rock. For Jesus, this was a metaphor of two different people’s lives; two different attitudes.

In the parable, Jesus describes the “on-sand-builder” as one who did indeed called Jesus “Lord”, but he never did what Jesus told him to do. –no foundation, religious, intellectual. Jesus actually says to him, “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I tell you?” The other one, the “on-rock-builder”, also called Jesus Lord but he obeyed his Lord’s voice as well. –with foundation, relational.

If Christianity, to you, is just metaphorical and philosophical, you are without a foundation. Therefore, it’s likely you don’t pray much, you find yourself in transgression often, feel obligated when you do anything for God and are more concerned about “acting” good. On the other hand, if Christianity, to you, is practical and relational, you are standing on the good foundation. This means you talk to God often, repent a lot, seek the Lord’s will daily, and desire His presence with you in most all things. In other words, doing what He says…

So, what can be seen of your life is evidence of what is unseen. What does your house look like? More on this subject to come…

Pastor Tom