I’ve seen some social media posts recently that criticize those who take a stand on old fashioned or outdated principles. Things like the Bible and the Constitution are criticized because they were written long ago by people who lived in a different social world. Why should we build our lives on such notions when the world has changed so much?
As I considered this question, the idea of foundations came to mind. If we build our lives on solid foundations, then the ever-changing world around us may impact how we build our lives, but not the foundation of who we are. The Bible provides this sure foundation for us. God does not change, and His laws are perfect and just. His ways may be higher than our ways, but His ways are still the best ways. We may not understand everything He asks us to do (or not do), but following Him in faith leads to a strengthening of our relationship with Him and builds trust and confidence in who He is.
Jesus tells this parable 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 the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Building our lives on God’s Word is the only true foundation that will withstand the storms of this life. We may lose some shingles, windows, or even a good portion of the house we built upon the Rock. But the foundation will stay solid, providing the perfect starting point for a renovation when needed.
In a similar way, the Constitution of the United States provides a foundation for this nation. Regardless of your opinion of the founding fathers, this document was infused with God’s presence. Equality, justice, freedom, the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I believe these qualities inspired the writers to dig deep and identify those key components that they saw missing in their former governments. They believed that crafting a document that would serve as the foundation of a great nation required God’s hand.
Today, we see these foundations being attacked. Weaken the foundation and the entire structure will fall. This is the devil’s intent, make everyone who depends on Christ forget to build their lives on Him. Encourage them to build on the sandbars, entice them with promises of gentle waves, easy days at the beach, and room service.
Then when the storms come, the foundation shakes, the windows crack, and all that remains is a great crash as everything is washed away. The crash is great and the wreckage is real. I pray that everyone who finds themselves here gets washed ashore where they can cling to the Rock until the storm passes.
Be careful where you build your life. Choose bedrock for your foundation. Choose Jesus as your Savior. This is the first and most crucial step of building a home, a nation, or a life.
May Jesus be our Rock and sure foundation through all life’s storms.