A new condominium is on the way up at the beach. A souvenir store stood in its place last year. As I watched some construction take place on it today, I thought, “I wonder how high it will be? I wonder how deep is the foundation?” You see, how high the structure will be has been determined by how deep the foundation is already. You cannot add a couple stories later you didn’t plan for on the front end. The depth of the foundation determines the height of the building. The sustainability of the structure is determined by the foundation it is built upon.

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells us about building on two types of soil: bedrock and sand. For the condo on the beach, builders try to reach bedrock if possible, but most of the time drive pylons sometimes half as high as the building to create a solid foundation. This isn’t just to support the structure, but also to withstand erosion and the ominous impending hurricane. Millions are spent below ground before one dollar is ever spent above. No matter how elaborate your condo may be above ground, it’s really what’s below ground that matters most.

Hurricanes are a part of beach life. You prepare for them wisely as they are coming. Fools don’t prepare. You see, in this parable Jesus says the storm is coming for both builders. The foolish builder had no foundation to withstand the storm. 1 Corinthians 3:11 says, “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” The hurricanes of this life are coming. More than this life, an eternal one is awaiting that will separate the wise and foolish by what foundation they’ve built upon.

You can invest millions in a condo that will be wiped out in seconds if the foundation isn’t solid. You can look ornate above ground but be flimsy at your core. You may look like you’ve got it all together on the outside but have nothing stable at all on the inside. Jesus is our firm foundation. On Christ the solid rock we must stand. All other ground is sinking sand. What is your life founded upon?

“For in Scripture it says: “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.”” -1 Peter‬ ‭2:6‬ ‭NIV‬‬

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stephenrharrison

Stephen and his wife Haley have called Arkansas home all of their lives. Stephen has served in several ministry roles over the last 25 years and as a lead pastor for the last 8 years. Stephen attended Williams Baptist College and earned a BA in Biblical Studies from Ouachita Baptist University, an MA, MDiv, and DMin in Christian Leadership and Pastoral Ministries from Liberty University. When not pastoring, Stephen enjoys running, cycling, reading, writing, camping, fishing, and spending time with his family.