What is your Foundation?
~ Pastor Thuamminlian Guite
Scripture references: Matthew 7:24-28; Ecclesiastes 2; James 2:19; Colossians 2:6-7; I Corinthians 3:11
Life’s foundation is important because it has to be right. The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Italy is a world famous monument but it is going to collapse one day because the foundation is not solid (Pisa meaning marshy land).
In Matthew 7:24-28, Jesus talked about the wise man who built his house on the rock and the foolish man who built his house on the sand. Like the wise man, it is very important for children who are in the process of building their life’s foundation to have the right/solid/firm foundation otherwise they will fall like the house built on the sand.
King Solomon talked about his search for pleasure through various means and how he could find neither satisfaction nor joy in Ecclesiastes 2. This led him to conclude that pleasure is vanity. Children, as they grow up, will be lured by the pleasures, wealth, ways of the world etc. which will not give lasting satisfaction or joy. If their foundation is on such things, their life will become meaningless.
Our life’s foundation should be Jesus Christ, the solid Rock. Colossians 2:6-7 also talks about being rooted and built up in Christ. We can have that foundation by hearing and obeying His word. Mere belief is not enough for even the demons believe and tremble in fear.
Whom do children admire the most? Who is their role model? Is it some movie stars?
The one person we admire the most, the greatest thing in our life and our role model should be Jesus Christ. We should live like Him.
Let us look at three testimonials from the Bible, the lives of men of God who put their faith in Him. The first is Joseph who was sold into slavery by his own brothers. Joseph trusted God even during his times of hardships. The Lord was with him and he raised him up. Daniel feared God and refused to compromise his faith in God. As a result, he was thrown into the Lion’s den. But God delivered him. Moses had the choice to live in the king’s palace but he regarded the abuse he suffered for God to be of greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt.
The challenge now is, `what is your life’s foundation?’ It will either be the Rock or sand. Children are exhorted to have their foundation on Jesus Christ for all others are dangerous and cannot be trusted.
While children are still living pure lives and obedient to their parents, there is no scar in their lives as yet. They should be very careful not to fall into sin because such mistakes will leave scars. They should not let any scars mar their lives and make Jesus Christ alone as their foundation.
