Foundations

We are success driven people. We like, and want results. Our worth, in many areas of our life, is determined by the results of our labors. Some of us thrive under those conditions. We like it. We know where we stand, and we know what we need to do to succeed. Our yearly employment evaluation is based on some score based on new sales, increased student participation or passing rates, number of cold calls, the percentage of calls that are turned into customers, eliminating shrinkage, or increased customer satisfaction ratings. I am sure you can think of dozens more.

We transfer certain amount of that to our spiritual lives as well. We want results. We want our prayers answered just the way we asked them. We want to “feel” a certain way when we leave worship. We want the songs we know and the Bible verses we like. We want to know that God is on our side. We want warm and fuzzy faith. The problem is that we don’t really live in a warm and fuzzy world. I have a friend whose mother died yesterday. I have a colleague who is dealing with a cancer they can’t find, but know is there. I have a sister who became a widow this last year and another friend whose son blames all of his misfortune on her and God. All of these people are people of faith. Their faith may be stronger than yours; then again it may not. Either way, they are trying to do the best they can, but they are not getting the results they would like. It isn’t a warm and fuzzy world.

Scripture talks about our life as a building. One of the things that matters most about this building is the foundation. Jesus speaks of the two builders, one who built his house upon a foundation of sand, and another who built his house upon the rocks. When the storm arrived, you know which one stood firm. We tend to think this means the house is undamaged, but we all know that severe storms will at least loosen a few shingles. The difference between the houses is the foundation. The house on sand is a total loss. The house on the rocks simply needs some repairs.

Paul talks about building with different materials in 1 Corinthians 3. He reminds those who build that some of their work may not stand the test of time. The best start is to begin with the only foundation that matters, and that foundation is a life based on faith in Jesus Christ.

Faith is recognizing that Jesus Christ pulls us up on the rock with himself. He does not promise success in all of our endeavors. Even Paul’s great missionary efforts met with some rejection and even violence. His message was not always welcome.  

Psalm 16:8 says, I have set the Lord always before me, Because he is at my right hand I will not be shaken. The world, our world, may be shaken. Some of the work we have built on this rock may not stand the test of time. However, because HE is at our right hand, WE indeed our secure. May that bring you peace and give you joy.

Pastor Craig