Foundation: The Essential Basis for Spiritual Life

A foundation represents the underlying support upon which everything else is built. In both physical construction and spiritual life, the quality and depth of the foundation determines the stability, durability, and ultimate success of what rises above it.

Christ as the Ultimate Foundation

The Old Testament prophets and sacrificial system prepared the way and laid the basis for the ultimate sacrifice of Christ for sin. His life and teaching became Christianity's foundation, with no other foundation able to be laid (1 Cor 3:11). The ministry of the New Testament Apostles built upon this foundation, extending it like adding further levels while remaining faithful to God's master plan and under His direction.

Christ Himself is the chief cornerstone—the essential reference point that aligns everything together (Mk 12:10; Act 4:11). In turn, each Christian contributes to building or extending Christ's Kingdom (His church) here on earth (1 Cor 3:10; Eph 2:20-22). Some work is durable and precious, done by His direction and with the Holy Spirit's power accomplishing God's purposes, while other work is worthless, not standing up to the test because it is a work of the carnal flesh (Zech 4:6; 1 Cor 3:12-15).

A sure foundation is vital

This divine foundation is not merely a starting point but an ongoing source of stability and strength. It provides the unshakable basis upon which all spiritual growth and effective ministry must be built.

Building on Solid Rock

Jesus taught that when people listen and put into practice His teachings, it is like building on a solid rock foundation which provides stability. Those who hear but don't carry out His instructions are like builders on sand—when testing comes, the result is destruction (Mt 7:24-27). There was probably little to distinguish between the two structures externally; the significance of the foundation became evident only when the storm came.

Is my life 'built' on Christ?

One house stood firm while the other fell with a great crash. The foundation, which Jesus identified as "hearing these words of mine and putting them into practice," determined the stability during buffeting and the enduring ability to avoid destruction. Without such a solid foundation, all else is vulnerable and in danger of ruin.

Am I building my life on the solid, unshakable Word of God, doing what it says, or on the shifting, unreliable sands of society's "if it feels good, do it" philosophy? It is not our wisdom, salvation, or church attendance that gets us through the storm. While these are crucially important aspects of Christian life, it is doing what we hear Him say that will carry us through. God has bound Himself to honor His Word, and our obedience aligns us with it and activates His power on our behalf.

Establishing Deep Roots

Foundations are a preparation for the future; they are ultimately out of sight below ground level and must be robust enough to support what is built, to withstand the inevitable destructive forces that will come. Effort is involved—to clear the surface rubble and dig deep onto rock or solid substrate that will provide stability for what will come later (Lk 6:48).

Past accomplishments lay a foundation for future exploits. David had a track record—a dead bear and lion. He was confident the Lord would help him conquer this blaspheming giant. He had faith in the size of his God, not in the misleading impression of the opposition (1 Sam 17:34-37,45-49). This foundation of proven faith and experience gave him confidence when facing new challenges.

In a parable using a different image, Jesus said that if there is no sustaining root, the plant lasts only a short time because it can't receive nourishment (Mt 13:21). The message is clear—as a priority, establish and continue to strengthen your connection with God. We have the opportunity to put ourselves where we can't be dislodged by sending down roots now before the time of trial.

Rooted and established

Our inner character needs to be maintained by continually making wise choices, living with integrity, challenging wrong motives and thoughts, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle so the output of our resources does not exceed the input, causing it to crumble under life's pressures. Everyone will encounter storms; often these are unpredictable and come at inopportune times with little notice. What ultimately happens to us depends on the foundations we have established.

Reflection and Application:

Examine your life's foundation—are you building on Christ's words and putting them into practice?
Consider areas where you may be building on shifting sands rather than the solid rock of God's Word.
Identify experiences of God's faithfulness that can serve as a foundation for future challenges.
Take practical steps to deepen your spiritual roots before the next season of testing arrives.