FOUNDATION TALK

      Even as a child, I remember being intrigued by the parable Jesus tells at the conclusion of the Sermon on the Mount. In his sermon, Jesus tells about two ways and two endings to human life as represented by two gates in verses 13, 14 of Matthew 7, and the two fruits in verses 15-20. Jesus concludes his sermon by speaking of the two foundations constructed by the two builders. One of those builders was wise and other, Jesus says, was foolish.

      Now, what stands out in my mind in this story is the fact that both houses received the same violent forces from nature. The high floods, the strong winds, and the movement of the earth around each house were the same for both. The difference between standing in the face of diversity and pressure from situations and falling down and being swept away, is the design and location of the foundations. 

      We all know how important foundations are when building houses, large buildings, dams, and bridges. Those structures must be firmly placed on bedrock in order to stand the forces of nature and the process of ageing.

      From this point, we can easily make an analogy of the necessity of early moral and spiritual rock-solid foundations in the lives of our children and grandchildren. However, many times those foundations are missing in our own lives. Perhaps, we realize that those foundations have not been cared for, and are in need of repair. Maybe, at some point, the foundations of our lives need to be reinforced or rebuilt. 

      Joanna Weaver, in her book, “Having a Mary Spirit, Allowing God to Change Us From the Inside Out,” has some important suggestions for building up weak foundations. Weaver says, “First of all, invite the Inspector. Give God permission to take you on a tour of your life. Let him look in all the rooms of your home. Unlock them all. He can give you wholeness if you give him control.”

      The next step is to shore up the foundation by establishing and maintaining a strong relationship with Jesus. This is critical, and according to Jesus, a step that cannot be skipped.

      With God’s help, “reinforce your structure by investing in the primary relationships of your life. Good marriages do not just happen: they are built. Strong friendships take time, and growing godly children requires wisdom.” We must work at life with Christ at the center.

      Weaver suggests that we have flexibility in our lives, bending and giving on non-essentials, while standing firm on the essentials of our faith. Do not ignore the warnings and dangers signs that may signal “destructive thoughts, new temptations, or disintegrating relationships.” These are God’s way of warning us of an earthquake.

     “It really isn’t a matter of if you’ll have an earthquake, but when. Christ, the Rock, will absorb the shock, and though you may sway, don’t be afraid. God will help you stand.”

      Let us claim Psalm 46:1-2 as our “foundation” promise.

Rev. Tim McConnell, Long’s Chapel UMC, September 15, 2013