Our focus in worship last week seemed to be centred around how we build our lives – on what foundation in particular.
I was reminded of the time we had our drive renewed a few months ago. The workmen turned up with the large digger of sorts and proceeded to break up the old drive, the bits of which were taken away by a large lorry – to where I have no idea, simply that it was of no use to us and needed to be discarded.
The workmen then proceeded to thump the ground with an enormous contraption until it was level. They then put twelve tons of limestone on the ground, again levelling, followed by a layer of sand – more thumping.
Finally, the blocks were carefully applied by the boss in an orderly pattern before another layer of sand was brushed over to help prevent any weeds who dared show their heads in the future.
The final touch would be to apply a sealant a few months down the line, again to prevent the little weeds.
The result is a pleasant drive which is level and weed free. Because the workmen built on a good, solid foundation we are assured that, as no old hardcore had been used, we could be confident that it is unlikely that any weeds will appear. Secondly, again because of the solid foundation, we were able to drive our cars on straight away.
Well, the Bible talks a lot about how can build our lives as we navigate our journey through the various challenges of life.
Firstly, we need the rubbish which can accumulate over time to be discarded by the cleansing power of the Holy Spirit. Then we must begin to build on our only sure foundation – Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:20, ‘We are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets and the cornerstone is Christ Jesus himself.’
We can read about the two ways of building in Matthew 7:24-27 which tells us that building on the rock (Jesus) represents hearing Jesus’ teachings and putting them into practice in our own lives. If we do that, when the storms of life come – and they surely will – we can stand firm and trust God to carry us through, whatever thumping we have to endure.
So how am I building I ask myself? Do I have rubbish in my life that I need to be discarded; am I reading, listening and taking note of Jesus’ instructions; am I trusting in something other than Jesus for my security – easily done if I’m not careful.
1 Peter 5:10 tells us that ‘In his kindness, God called you to his eternal glory by means of Jesus Christ. After you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support and strengthen you and he will place you on a firm foundation.’
‘Christ is my firm foundation,
The rock on which I build.
When everything around me is shaking
I’ve never been more glad
That I put my faith in Jesus
He’s never let me down
He’s faithful through generations
So why would he fail now?
He won’t!’
– Ann Conroy