My Daily Pause

There are no shortcuts to laying a proper foundation

Since I have moved to Texas, I have heard a lot of radio advertisements about fixing the foundations of houses. The ground here seems to have a tendency to settle over time, causing instability in many buildings

Also, I am amazed at how many houses are gone in Galveston because of hurricane Ike in September, 2008. Years later it is evident where houses used to be – the results of inadequate foundations.

It is very evident how important it is to follow design specifications when building houses in Texas!

In the same way our building foundations are tested by the elements, all of us will be tested by God in his time. Paul uses this metaphor in 1 Corinthians 3:5-17 to help us make sure we are prepared for the judgment.

1. There is only one sufficient foundation (1 Corinthians 3:11) – People tend to get away from focusing on Christ’s sacrifice and build up around programs and “good” things forgetting to point others to salvation.
2. He leaves it to us to build up from there (1 Corinthians 3:12-13) – Everything we build will be tested. The good materials will stand. The poor materials will burn away.
3. The Spirit will be grieved when our “temple” falls (1 Corinthians 3:16-17) – If we are the temple of God, then we need to take care of it like it is his temple.

There are plenty of opinions on the exact meaning of these verses, but one thing is very clear: Christ provides the only authorized specifications for our spiritual foundation. Anything else puts God’s temple at risk.

I have spent a lot of time trying to grow grass in my yard. I eventually discovered that the top soil was very thin and under that soil, was solid red clay. Since the roots couldn’t get deep in the ground, they were suspect to the sun, cold and harmful bugs. The answer was to support the grass in a way that it could break through the clay and establish a solid base.

Paul wanted his fellow Christians to put down deep roots of study and practice of God’s word. Those that haven’t fully matured are suspect to being drawn away by smart sounding or persuasive people. Human traditions might have the ring of authority. Sometimes simple lies do the dirty work. (Colossians 2:8)

The world has always been a tough place for God’s people to live. With Christ’s help, the way has been made easier. A routine of study, a habit of solid worship and gathering frequently with those who have the same heavenly goals will establish those deep roots we need to survive what the world brings.

See also The Parable of the Sower in Mark 4:3-9

Daily Bible reading for May 11

Psalm 130
Numbers 10:11-36
Isaiah 48-49
Colossians 2:6-23

God and especially Jesus are often compared to a rock. To the righteous, he is a rock upon which we stand and build our lives, while to the wicked, he is a stone of offense that causes men to stumble. In Psalm 28, David develops this idea in his prayer and praise. He thinks of God as his rock of defense, realizing that to his enemies, the Lord’s way is offensive. Do you think of the Lord as a solid rock upon which to stand securely and deposit your soul’s and life’s work? Bonus reading: Build your house upon the rock