If you were building a house, you would never start framing until a solid foundation was properly in place. So why not approach your spiritual life with the same care and concern?
Without a strong foundation, our houses crumble in severe storms. Similarly, without a solid spiritual foundation, we crumble, sometimes at the mere mention of a storm.
Jesus uses this illustration in His sermon on the mount:
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock.” Matthew 7:24 (NASB)
When Jesus tells the parable of the wise and foolish builder, He begins with the word “therefore,” which tells us to look back at the preceding text, the entire Sermon on the Mount. As we study this passage, we see two requirements for establishing a solid foundation; “hear these words” and “act on them.”
The reality is, to construct a solid spiritual foundation, we must “hear” and “act on” the teachings of Christ.
Throughout childhood we begin laying a foundation for life that will either adequately or inadequately support us throughout life. I started building my spiritual foundation at age 19 when I was saved, but like the builder who got distracted, it was years before I actually began establishing a truly solid foundation by digging deeper into God’s Word, where solid rock is found.
Almost twenty years after surrendering my life to Christ, I began strengthening my knowledge, understanding, and application of God’s Word by reading and studying the Bible every day. As a result, today, I’ve not only grown closer to God, but I’m better prepared to cope with life’s many storms. In fact, I can’t imagine going back to the days of relying on my personal strength to handle what life throws at me.
“And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 (NASB)
Notice in the verse above, “the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against the house.” Jesus makes it clear that, throughout life, we are going to encounter difficult and painful life storms. And, He makes it clear, that if we hear His words and don’t act on them, we’re in store for a great fall during our storms.
“Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”Matthew 7:26-27 (NASB)
Building a solid foundation requires action, and if we hope to weather the storms of life, we must take action. Join me today and begin adding strength to your spiritual foundation by implementing the following steps:
- Set aside at least 20 minutes each day to communicate with God and read His Word. Be consistent! Even if it means getting up 20 minutes earlier than you normally do.
- Read the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:1-7:29, and challenge yourself to “hear” Christ’s words and “act” on them.
- Join a Bible Study where you will be challenged to consistently read, study, and apply God’s truth to your life.
What will you do today to strengthen your foundation that will support YOU through life’s toughest storms?
