FIRM FOUNDATIONS
FIRM FOUNDATIONS.
1 Corinthians 3:11 (New International Version) says “11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
There is a Latin phrase – “void ab initio”, which is used to describe something that is defective from the beginning or from its inception. In simple legal terms any agreement or process that is void ab initio, is one which is not valid or legally binding since the moment it commenced. Such agreement or process cannot be cured, corrected, amended or validated. It has no effect in law or otherwise, and any action that flows from such an agreement or process is inherently void, because it lacks a proper foundation.
The importance of a solid foundation cannot be overemphasized. A foundation is something upon which another thing is built, and as Christians the foundation we have to build our lives and walk on this earth is JESUS. The type of foundation most people are familiar with is that of a building, if the foundation of a building is weak, it will most likely collapse. In the case where the foundation of a structure is intended to have two floors, but six floors are constructed on it, the structure will collapse, because the foundation was not made to handle more than two floors.
A foundation can also refer to how we start or begin something. When young children are learning to speak, they are taught alphabets, then words before they start learning to speak the language. These words and alphabets are the foundations of the language. What is the foundation of your daily life? Do you begin your day with prayers by committing it into the hands of the Lord, or do you mumble and grumble when you get up in the morning? Do you plan your new academic year or work year or do you just go with the flow?
In Matthew 7:24-27 New International Version, Jesus explained the importance of a solid foundation with a parable, He said:
24 “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. 25 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. 26 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 sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
In the above verse from Matthew, Jesus used an illustration of two men to explain the importance of a solid foundation, a wise man who built his house on a rock and a foolish man who built his house on sand. A rock is not easily moved, it signifies strength, we often hear the term “rock-solid”, it is used to describe something strong, sturdy and steady. One very important foundation for our lives as Christians is the WORD OF GOD. There is literally no shortcut, the word of God is the food for our Spirit, it gives us life, it is our armor and weapon in this battle called life. As Christians we need to read and study the word of God and make it part of our lives.
Adopting the word of God to our daily lives is like building a house on a rock, the falling rain, the rising waters and the strong wind signifies the trials and tests of life, and they will surely come. What then will you do, run from pillar to post? When you have your foundation on the word of God and life “comes at you” you will not be moved, because you know and understand God’s word, his plans and his promises to you.
Another solid foundation for our lives is having our identity in Christ. The goal of a Christian is to live a life that is Christ-like, we are also to be secure in who we are in Christ and in our redemption by the Blood of Jesus, so that when the world tries to tell us who we are, we will not be moved by what the world says.
Foundations will always exist in different aspects of our lives, you are free to build, but before building anything make sure to step back and look inwards, ask yourself “what is the foundation of this new business venture?” , “what is the foundation of this new friendship?” Am I building it on Jesus and would it be built to the glory of God. In life, times of tests and trials will come, and when they come, will you get shaken and fall, or will you still be standing strong?
It is my prayer that we are like the wise man who built on the rock and that Jesus is the firm foundation in every aspect of our lives, Amen.
IFEOLUWA JAIYESIMI ©
The Revolutionary Righter.©