Many times in the construction of a new home or business we hear the term "foundation." We tend to dismiss the significance of this word, but to the success of keeping a building or home erect a foundation is a must. We will briefly talk about the two types of foundations that are used in construction . However, we will spend more time talking about how to build the spiritual foundation that is deep. Deep foundations build strength and longevity in our lives and our families.
What is a Foundation in Construction?
Foundation is the lowest part of the building or the civil structure that is in direct contact with the soil, which transfers loads from the structure to the soil safely. Generally, the foundation can be classified as either shallow foundation or deep foundation.
Unlike building a structure (which is temporary), in building the foundation of our everlasting lives, we sometimes pay woefully little attention to the engineering and construction of our foundations. Consequently, we are left highly exposed to, and are easily buffeted by, dangerous forces. Shallow foundations are cheaper, easier to construct, less labor is needed for construction. The procedure is simple and affordable. Deep foundations are more expensive, construction process is more complex, skilled labors are needed; its time consuming and they are not flexible. We can choose to build a shallow foundation but Jesus warns against doing that in Matthew 7:24-27
“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. "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.”
My prayer is that you and your family work together to build a deep foundation. Jesus said in Matthew 7:25,
"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.”
So, how do we build this deep foundation?
Step 1: MOVE FORWARD AND DON’T LOOK BACK.
Before God could transform your life, you had to make the decision to allow God to transform you. With that decision, you repented of your sins. Repenting means turning away from sin and turning toward God and obeying His Word. It is a complete 180-degree turn. The first step in building a solid foundation in Christ is repenting of our sins and asking God to forgive us. After we have repented of our sins and asked forgiveness, Satan seems to think he can entice you back to sin. The temptation will not just go away on its own because you asked for forgiveness. Part of repentance is turning away from sin and not turning back around to it. To not be tempted to turn back may mean that you have to cut out what has hindered you, held you back, and caused you to struggle. Hebrews 12:1 says,
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”
STEP 2: SURROUND YOURSELF WITH A SOLID CHRISTIAN COMMUNITY.
God did not create us to walk this life alone, He desires for us to connect and build relationships with other believers. This way we can teach each other, encourage each other and build one another up, as well as rebuke and correct each other. God’s design and plan for the church is that Christ be the head and we are the body. We have got to connect ourselves to the body of Christ and that is the church. God works through the church. The church is the hands and feet of God. If we are going to have a solid foundation in Christ we must be surrounded by a strong Christian community. Get involved at church, seek out friendships, and community that will draw you closer to Jesus and encourage you in your faith. Get involved with a Connect Group (talk with Jeff & Michelle Hughes) to establish this in your life. Acts 2:42 says,
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”
STEP 3: FIND A MENTOR AND ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER
The third step in building a strong foundation in Christ is finding a Christian mentor and accountability partner. A mentor is a strong Christian that is older than you that can teach you God’s word and hold you accountable. This is someone that can pour into you and guide you as you walk through life. A mentor has already walked through the stage of life you are in and can help guide you through it. An accountability partner is a Christian friend that you can walk through life with. An accountability partner is usually someone close in age to you or walking through the same stage of life as you. This person also needs to be someone you can connect with and can easily be honest about your struggles and strengths. Be the mentor and accountability partner with your children. What better persons to create a culture in your family where your children know it is safe to share than mom and dad who love their children unconditionally and deeply?
STEP 4: CREATE A NEW ROUTINE AND HABIT THAT INVOLVES SPENDING TIME IN GOD’S WORD AND PRAYER ON YOUR OWN AND WITH YOUR CHILDREN
If we are going to grow deeper in our faith and have a strong foundation, we must spend time building a relationship with the Lord. This means having a quiet time with the Lord and making it a priority in our lives. This is going to look different for everyone. If you are a morning person, maybe this is a time to start your day with a cup of coffee. Others like to have their quiet time before bed. There is no right or wrong way to spend a quiet time with the Lord reading His word and in prayer. What is important is that you do it.
STEP 5: SERVE AND SHARE
Earlier I mentioned that we are the body of Christ. The job of the church and the people in it is to do God’s work. NCWC needs servants. The church needs people to be the hands and feet of Christ and help accomplish its work. The fifth step in building a solid foundation in Christ is looking outward to what God can do through you and where your gifts are needed to serve others. We all have different gifts and talents that God has blessed us with. Use them for His Glory!
Share God’s word with others and your story. Do not be ashamed to speak about God and all He has done for you. Your story is powerful. God can use the story of how He transformed your life to save someone else’s life. Hebrews 13:16 says, “And do not neglect doing good and sharing, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.”
What about you? Are you on your way to building a strong foundation in Christ? Where do you need to improve?
It is well worth the work, expense, and time to create a deep foundation for yourself and your family. A deep foundation we can’t neglect.
Karen Haler Children’s Ministry Director NCWC