Photo by Alp Ancel on Unsplash
Geologists tell us bedrock provides essential stability for everything built upon it. This foundation determines whether structures withstand time and storms. In earthquake-prone regions, buildings anchored to bedrock remain standing while those built on sand collapse. The hidden foundation, more than architecture, determines survival.
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24-25 ESV)
Jesus contrasts two builders, one wise and one foolish, distinguished by their foundation choices. The wise builder anchors to rock, requiring more initial effort but ensuring durability. So when inevitable storms, floods, and winds come, the structure withstands pressure and remains standing.
“For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11 ESV)
Paul identifies the only reliable spiritual foundation: Jesus Christ. By declaring all other foundations ultimately inadequate, regardless of apparent initial stability. Because any life built on alternative foundations‚ success, relationships, wealth, status‚ will eventually prove unstable. Our lives, like structures, require proper foundations. The unseen underpinning matters more than visible accomplishments. When life’s storms inevitably arise—grief, fear, uncertainty—our foundation determines whether we stand or collapse.
Spiritual Move: Examen—Daily examine what you’re building your identity and security upon. Notice when you’ve shifted from the solid ground of Christ to shakier foundations of performance, approval, or circumstances.
Journal Prompts:
1. What “storms” have revealed the true nature of your life’s foundation? What rem ned standing and what collapsed?
2. In what areas might you be building on sand‚ hearing Jesus’ words without doing them?
Thought and Discussion Questions:
1. What cultural “foundations” do people commonly build their lives upon? How do these fare during life’s storms?
2. What qualities make rock superior to sand as a building foundation? How does this parallel Christ as our spiritual foundation?
3. Share about a time when having Christ as your foundation helped you withstand a significant challenge.
4. How might we help one another build and m nt n lives founded on Christ rather than shifting sand?