Foundations

Matthew 7:24-25 – Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. (NIV)

"I've lived in this house for thirty-seven years," the distraught woman's voice came across the airwaves on the evening news. As I listened to the story, the cause of the woman's tears was explained. Several years before, a team of engineers had convinced her that her home was in no danger, but, unbeknownst to them, there was an uncharted mine shaft under the home. Even though the home appeared to be on a solid foundation, it wasn't. Until two days prior, the walls had been straight, the doors had closed, and the floors had been level in the home where she had lived for thirty-seven years. But a loud crack signified a problem, and now the home and all the woman's possessions were sinking into an abandoned mine shaft.

This news story reminded me of the lesson Jesus taught us about building our spiritual lives on a solid foundation. We can be fooled into thinking other foundations are suitable, especially the foundation of good works. Although these activities may earn us praise, we are told in scripture to build our lives on Jesus, the solid rock, lest we sink when the storms of life hurl themselves at us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, remind us of your teachings. Help us to check our foundations daily and to build our lives on the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.