Foundations

One of the many jobs I do as a janitor at our church is straightening tables and chairs. It's a very precise process, and there's no room for random movements. For example, I have to straighten all the tables before I straighten the chairs. All eight tables forming a square, getting that first table exactly straight is of utmost importance. It must be totally straight on the lines of the floor, so the rest of the tables and chairs are straight as well.

If I had to grade what was the most important part of my straightening, I'd readily say that getting the first table straight is the most important. Because, after all, that first table is kinda like my "cornerstone", or "foundation" for the rest of the straightening process! If the "foundation" is straight, all's well. But if not? Well...I have to take everything out and do the job all over again.

That's how it is with our spiritual life, isn't it? If we don't have our foundation right, everything else is a mess. Jesus illustrated this point in Matthew 7:24-27:

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

As you've probably guessed by now, Jesus is the True Cornerstone and Firm Foundation.(see Eph. 2:20) If we build on Him, if we align our lives based on what He told us to do, we'll be just fine. And how do we "build" on Him? Listen to His words--read the Bible! Develop a real relationship with Him--pray to Him like you would a friend! Go to church each week--you'll be spiritually recharged! Put Jesus' teachings into practice in your own life!

When we trust and build on the Firm Foundation, life won't exactly be roses. But we do have the reassurance that He is with us every step of the way (see Matthew 28:20) and will help us through whatever we might face. If we build on the other foundation that Jesus mentioned, we don't have any of that. When the rains come, we will be swept away because we wouldn't have built on the firm foundation.

As for me, I'm trying to build on the Firm Foundation. Every time I head into the church to straighten tables and chairs, I am reminded about my resolve in a very practical way. Now how about you? What foundation are you building on?