The Foundation of Life
It was hot day today, without rain. I did get back into my routine visits to my Chiropractor. After returning home from my tire repair I mowed the lawn. It was surprising how much it grew in one week. I then put together a pen for our dog, so he could be outside without being chained. I actually haven’t taken a nap since returning home from Atlanta, even with my late arrival on Tuesday morning. So, I’m taking that as a sign of progress.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “…a [person’s] life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” (Luke 12:15)
Every life has a foundation. Every life has a source of security that is looked to in times of trouble and one that gives confidence about the future.
What does God’s Word have to say about the importance of knowing and choosing a foundation that will be solid and enduring? Paul told the Corinthians, “…we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
The foundation of some people is only in possessions and financial security. Jesus said, “…life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” In the parable of the rich man with an abundance of crops, Jesus reveals his motives, the rich man says, “…I will store my grain and goods, and I will say to myself, ‘you have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry.” This man articulates what many view as the “American dream” and a life of prosperity; plenty of money, doing what you want, when you want. But in the parable the Lord says, “…you fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you…” (Luke 12:16-21)
Just as the man was preparing for many years of ease, the brevity and uncertainty of life had the final say. I have certainly gained a greater appreciation of how quick life can change and how in a moment or one health crisis, your financial security can go out the window.
The foundation of some lives is only in family. Family is important, it is God’s idea, so to question it value as a life foundation seems contradictory. But we see that while families are a source of great support and security, they can also represent struggle, pain and disappointment. What you have depended on can be gone sooner than you realize for a number of reasons.
The caution of financial security and family as a foundation for life is in the word, “only.” Jesus said, “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness all these things will be added to you.” (Matt. 6:33)
The foundation of life that is most important is faith and trust in the Lord. Jesus said when we put Him first other important aspects of life will be supported by that foundation. We have the assurance that, “God is for us.” (Rom. 8:31) That He will work in all circumstances for “our good.” (Rom. 8:28) We have the assurance that He will, “supply our needs.” (Phil. 4:19) We have comfort in knowing, “when my father and mother forsake me, the Lord will receive me.” (Psa. 27:10)
When David felt forsaken and alone; when his position and wealth seemed to fail; he found comfort in this, “…I am always with you (God) you hold me by the right hand. You guide me by your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory….My flesh and my heart my fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” (Psa. 73:23-26)
Financial security, health, family, position and anything else that comes our way, that is often sought as a source of security by it self, when built on a foundation of Christ finds its proper perspective. Whether you have what some people seek and place their confidence in or not, when Christ is the center of your life you discover, your life is not futile, your failures are not fatal and your death is not final.