Building your life on the right foundation

In a world filled with uncertainty and constant change, it's crucial to have a solid foundation upon which to build our lives. But what exactly does that foundation look like, and how do we ensure we're building on the right one?

The concept of a strong foundation is not just a metaphor - it's a practical reality in both the physical and spiritual realms. Just as a house built on shifting sand will eventually crack and crumble, so too will a life built on unstable principles. This truth was vividly illustrated by the example of buildings constructed near the Bread of Life, where inadequate foundations led to major structural issues, rendering the buildings unusable despite the significant investment in their construction.

So what is the rock-solid foundation we should be building our lives upon? The answer is clear: Jesus Christ. However, it's not enough to simply claim Christ as our foundation; we must actively and continually build our lives upon Him. This process involves faith, discernment, and a willingness to clear away anything that might compromise our spiritual structure.

One of the primary obstacles to building a strong spiritual life is the demand for signs. The story of the Pharisees and Sadducees approaching Jesus and asking for a sign from heaven illustrates this perfectly. Despite the numerous miracles Jesus had already performed - healing the sick, casting out demons, feeding thousands with just a few loaves and fish - they still demanded more proof. This attitude reveals a heart of unbelief and a desire to control rather than to trust.

We must be cautious of falling into the same trap. How often do we say, "I'll believe in God if..." or "I'll trust God when..."? This approach puts us in the judge's seat, questioning God's promises rather than standing firmly upon them. True faith doesn't demand signs; it trusts in God's character and His word, even when circumstances seem challenging.

Another threat to our spiritual foundation is the distraction of worldly concerns. The disciples' preoccupation with forgotten bread, even as Jesus warned them about the "leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees," serves as a poignant reminder of how easily we can miss spiritual truths when focused on material needs. Jesus gently rebuked them, saying, "O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread?"

This moment highlights the difference between mature faith and "little faith." Little faith gets easily shaken and preoccupied with small, material concerns. It tries to figure out how God might work in a situation and becomes anxious when no solution is apparent. In contrast, mature faith remembers God's past provision and trusts Him for the future, focusing on spiritual realities rather than temporary physical needs.

We must also be wary of false teaching and bad doctrine that can corrupt our understanding of truth. Jesus warned His disciples about the "leaven" of the Pharisees and Sadducees - their teachings that could subtly infiltrate and distort one's faith. In our modern context, this warns us to be discerning about the spiritual input we receive, whether from religious leaders, media, or popular culture.

So how do we build our lives on the right foundation? It starts with a simple trust in Jesus Christ. This trust isn't blind faith, but rather a confident reliance based on God's demonstrated character and promises. It involves clearing away distractions, false beliefs, and worldly preoccupations that can weaken our faith.

Building on Christ means prioritizing spiritual growth over material comfort. It means trusting God's provision even when we can't see how He'll come through. It means focusing on eternal truths rather than getting caught up in temporary troubles. And importantly, it means being willing to "pick up our cross" - embracing the challenges and sacrifices that come with following Jesus.

As we build our lives on Christ, we may still face storms and difficulties. The difference is that our "house" - our life and faith - will stand firm because it's built on an unshakeable foundation. We may feel the wind and rain, but we won't be destroyed by them.

It's also crucial to regularly examine our lives to ensure we're still building on the right foundation. Even those who start with Christ as their foundation can inadvertently shift to building on self or worldly principles. If we find ourselves off-track, the solution is to tear down what we've wrongly built and return to the true foundation.

Remember, God provides enough evidence for us to believe, but never so much that faith isn't required. Our job is not to test God or demand signs, but to trust Him and build our lives accordingly. When we do this, we find a strength and stability that can weather any storm life throws our way.

In conclusion, let's ask ourselves: What am I building my life upon right now? If it's anything other than Jesus Christ, how is that working out? And if we are building on Christ, are there areas where we've allowed distractions or false teachings to creep in? Let's commit to clearing our foundation and building our lives on the rock of Jesus Christ, trusting in His provision, focusing on spiritual realities, and growing in mature faith that can stand firm in any circumstance.