I remember when David and I first started dating. A building project was just underway for our church. We would “rendezvous” at the building site to catch up, make googly eyes at each other, and let the kids play on the big (I mean big) piles of dirt. When I think of foundations, that’s one of the happy memories that comes to mind.
But the foundation Paul is speaking of is life changing. It’s wonderful we can all share the same foundation, Jesus. He is our base, our reason for living. Paul even gives us a warning. “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we already have—Jesus Christ.” We can look around and see plenty of people building on a foundation of wealth, success, and fame. What does your foundation look like?
Then we read that our construction is going to be tested. How does that make you feel? The phrase, “up to code” takes on a whole new meaning. Here in the mountains of Mexico, I know buildings must be constructed to withstand frequent shifts, including earthquakes.
Whatever your building looks like, you want it sturdy and able to withstand trials and attacks from the evil one. When that day of testing does come, we want to be ready, so our structure doesn’t burn up in the fire. Paul acknowledges it was God’s grace that allowed him to create his foundation. We can tap into that power as well.
When it comes to the judgment in today’s passage, did you notice Paul isn’t talking about our “fate” or eternity? “The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.” Paul was encouraging his readers to be careful in living out the Christian life. There would be people watching and following our example. Even if our buildings aren’t perfect, our salvation is not dependent on these actions. However, good workmanship will be rewarded.
When Jesus is our foundation, we can be confident our building (our lives) will not crumble. We are strong and can withstand attacks from the evil one.
Meditate on this and Jesus’ words from Matthew 7:24-27, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock. Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”
Let’s pray …
Father God, thank you for the strong foundation we have in Jesus. I feel secure in knowing that my life is built on his truth and wisdom. Help me in constructing a life that is honoring to you and helps others desire a relationship with you, too. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
