When building a house, there must be attention to detail. Each part of the house from the inside out, should be built with a focus on structural integrity.  From the walls, to the flooring, to the external siding of the home – there are many pieces to a home which must be integrated for it to be habitable. However, the most important part of any home or even building is that of its foundation.

A foundation as it concerns any building or structure is the element that provides stability. Using the example of a house, a good foundation is one that is rooted underground which allows the structure to withstand not only the test of time but also external forces (i.e. rain, wind). A solid foundation is one that has the ability to uphold the weight of the structure, which means that it is not easily burdened.  Conversely, a building or house that does not have a firm foundation is one that is vulnerable.

If a foundation is not properly rooted or sturdy then it is likely that the structure will collapse or face some sort of damage.  As a result, those that reside within the structure are at risk of injury and even death if crumbling occurs.  Thus, having the appropriate foundation for any structure will prevent the decaying process which means that each resident is safe from internal or external calamity.

Our lives also need a firm foundation, but in the spiritual sense.  Just as any home or building requires a sturdy foundation to remain free from structural damage, we must also incorporate the appropriate foundation in our lives. That foundation is The Rock, or Jesus Christ.  In Matthew 7: 24-27, Jesus is speaking to a crowd when he teaches by giving a parable.  He is teaching on the principle of the wise and foolish builders. However, throughout chapter 7 of Matthew, Jesus teaches on various principles which includes judging others, asking and knocking, true and false prophets, true and false disciples, and the wide and narrow gate. It is only after teaching these principles that Jesus alludes to the parable of the wise and foolish builders. In verses 24-27 Jesus says the following:

(NIV)“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. 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. 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. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 

In this passage, Jesus illustrates by giving a comparison of two individuals. The first individual he mentions is a person who built their house on a solid foundation (In this case a rock). Based on the solid foundation, the individual’s house was able to withstand the external threats because of what it was built upon.  On the flip side, the other individual who built their house, did so on sand.  As a result, the house “fell with a great crash” because the foundation was vulnerable.

There are a lot of foundations that the world offers to all of us.  Many attempt to build their lives on wealth or material gain, social status, sex, pleasure, drugs, and a whole host of falsities.  Such foundations only lead to spiritual and physical ruin. That is because a foundation that is rooted in temporary pleasure will eventually lead to a collapse.

Jesus Christ is the best foundation that you and I can build our lives upon.  He is the one that gives stability and direction in life.  Satan will not give you insight into the damage that is done when you build your life on a shaky or vulnerable foundation. Everyday, millions attempt to surround their lives with foundations that are weak and unstable. As a result, their lives begin to crumble because the foundation they live upon cannot withstand the weight or the external influences that occur.

In Acts chapter 4, the Apostles Peter and John are seized and brought before the Sanhedrin Council for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. While standing before the council, Peter gives the following proclamation in defense of Jesus Christ in verses 9-12:

(NIV) “If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. Jesus is “‘the stone you builders rejected, which has become the cornerstone.’’ Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”

What Peter meant was that Jesus Christ is the cornerstone for all of humanity. If you look through the book of Matthew, you will see that Jesus was rejected by the world despite being the actual remedy for the sins of the world.  As Peter said, salvation cannot be found in anyone else.  Jesus Christ is the only one who can save because He paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The word “cornerstone” is meant to denote the piece that upholds every structure. Jesus Christ was given the name of “cornerstone” because He is the one who holds every life together despite the external influences that may arise.  Going back to the example of a building or a home, it is the very concept of having a firm foundation that Christ embodies.  Without a cornerstone or foundation that is firm, then the entire structure folds from the inside out, or from the outside in.

Is your life built on the foundation of Jesus Christ?  Or are you searching through the world to find solace and stability? The world cannot give you the type of structure that you are in need of.  In fact, the structure or system that the world provides is ever-changing. It is designed to ensnare all of its followers, just to leave them in ruins at the end of it all. Various laws and measures that are passed do not incorporate stability.  In fact, much of the governmental structures are failing because they are not built upon the one and true foundation which is Jesus Christ.

However, even outside of governmental corruption, there are many who choose to plan their lives on their own foundations.  The fact is, you and I cannot build a foundation that is solid enough to withstand the changes of life. Only in Christ Jesus can you have a life that is stable and secured.  If you have not accepted Jesus in the pardon of your sins, take the time to release your sin before Christ and turn from your wicked ways. Only then will your soul be secured, and your life will be built upon The Rock which is Jesus Christ.