We cannot overlook the necessity of building on a firm foundation
By Dean Collins
Towns, houses, and people have a common problem. They all need a good foundation. In the most famous sermon Jesus preached, he was clear: Rock-solid foundations work and last much better than soft and sandy foundations. Edward Mote used this idea of foundations for a hymn he wrote in 1834, and his words have been sung by Christ-followers for nearly 200 years. His phrases echo the building science Jesus had in mind. Building one’s life on the solid ground of Jesus creates lasting stability. All other ground is sinking sand.
Built
Proverbs 11:20 says that when things go well with those who have a solid foundation, then the city flourishes. The foundations of cities are built on the integrity of their citizens and not simply location. We have many cities in great locations that are crumbling due to the shallow integrity and spiritual depth of their leaders and citizens.
Psalm 127 pulls these thoughts together. We have to decide whether we simply read, nod, and agree or if we are willing to take instruction from God’s timeless and trustworthy words. The psalmist is clear that if the Lord is not the centerpiece of a person’s life, family, and town, then all will be fragile.
Both Psalm 127 and Proverbs 11:10 suggest that we who have a foundation of faith have a responsibility to be engaged in our cities. This became particularly clear to me when I led the move and rebranding of what was Atlanta Christian College from East Point, Georgia to become Point University in West Point, Georgia. Our university, its employees, students, and alumni are a big part of the cities and counties we dwell in and border. We have an opportunity, even an obligation, to help our communities flourish. The best way to do that is by relentlessly building our lives on the firm foundation of Christ and his Word.
Protected
Once the foundation is in place and the building has been completed, it must be protected. Here we have choices.
(1) We can set up security systems and pay professionals to guard us and our stuff. Certain situations make this necessary.
(2) We can try to do it ourselves, being ever vigilant to think of every possible way things could go wrong. In this case, we must develop a strategy to prevent disruption or protect against attack. We dare not be negligent or careless.
(3) Or we can allow God to watch over everything. This doesn’t mean we will ignore the possibilities in Option 1 or 2, but it does mean those approaches are worthless if we don’t realize who is really in charge and ready to watch out for us in every situation. Even when hard or bad things happen, God will provide in every situation.
Surrendered
I’ve eaten a lot of meals anxiously when I failed to let go of control or took on responsibility for things out of my control. My digestion and sleep patterns are much healthier when I remember that God is a much better watchman than I am. Knowing that is one thing but acting on that knowledge is essential. We must actually surrender ourselves, our stuff, our families, and our communities to his authority and control to receive the benefits.
Maybe today is a good day for us to check the foundation and decide who we will trust to watch over us. It is a life-giving and stress-lowering event every time we review and recommit to God’s care for us.
Your time with God’s Word
Psalm 127:1-5; Proverbs 11:10 ESV
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