Building A House On A Strong Foundation
We are building a house. We decided not to do the traditional wood, brick and mortar. We’re using steel. We have steel beams, steel studs, steel roof and steel siding. We are putting together a home that has already been through the fire and poured out to become stronger for it. Our foundation is made of concrete poured on top of hundreds of steel rods which reinforce the stability and strength of the concrete. Without a firm foundation, the steel girders and posts would not stand alone. A few Oklahoma wind gusts would level our house. Instead it is secured with thousands of steel bolts driven deep into the concrete. Likewise, Christians are secured to Christ as the foundation of His church. The church is strengthened by the indwelling power of God. We merely stand bolted to Him.
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God’s people and members of God’s household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” Ephesians 2:19-22
God uses us to build His kingdom. We are His church. We are a portion of the beams, the walls, the siding. Jesus is our foundation, just as our house’s foundation is cement poured into a foundation of more steel rods. I think sometimes, me? I am the church for whom Jesus gave His life? I am the walls, the siding, the beams, the roof? Yes, and just as the materials used to build our house were put through the fire and tempered to make the strongest steel, the Lord gives us His power through His Spirit to withstand the trials of life…not that we can boast faith, wisdom or strength, no. Our endurance is because of the power the Lord gives us as we persevere and look to Him in faith.
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own,” 1 Corinthians 3:16
When storms come, we are secured in our faith. When death pays its visit, we are secured by the blood of the Lamb and assured of eternal life with God where it cannot be taken away. Because the Spirit of God makes His dwelling place within us, He strengthens us greater than any steel beam could ever be strengthened.
Do you ever feel worthless in the kingdom of God? Ever wonder whether what you do or don’t do matters in the scheme of things? It matters. You matter. Jesus gave His life to ensure it matters. You are a part of His church. Open the windows of your life and let others see Jesus in you–the spirit who lives within you. Let people see the fruit the Spirit gives you. Peace, love, joy, kindness, gentleness, self-control and hope. When storms buffet and threaten your faith and commitment, remember your foundation is secure in Christ. No one and nothing is stronger than He.
