Foundations Matter

Foundations Matter
Author: Jamie Huggins, Communications and Social Media Director
The Parables of Jesus – Part 2
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Oh, the joys of house hunting. If you've ever decided to purchase a home, you know that finding "the right one" can be pretty complicated. Maybe the location isn't right. Perhaps, the size or the layout doesn't work. Or, maybe, you can't get past those red cabinets and brightly tiled floors in the kitchen. Sometimes, however, you may come across a much more alarming discovery.

A couple of years ago, my husband and I were in the market to purchase a new home. During this time, the housing market for buyers was super competitive. Houses would be listed, get multiple offers, and go under contract well above the asking price in 24 hours or less. We didn't want to overpay for something and were particular about what we wanted, so, needless to say, we weren't having much success.

Eventually, we came across a listing for a home that had been on the market for a little while. The house had some quirks, but we figured we might be able to negotiate a price, fix it up, and resell it in a few years. What we didn't realize, however, was that the house had significant problems.

After obtaining a copy of the property disclosure, we were shocked to see multiple concerns reported about the home, including two words that seemed to jump off the page — foundation problems. It immediately made sense as to why the house was still for sale!

Foundations matter, don't they? Structural foundations support and protect the homes and buildings above them. Relationships need a foundation of trust to make them last. Similarly, our lives, too, require a solid foundation if we are to endure the challenges that inevitably come our way.

– Matthew 7:24-27

Just think, if my husband and I had moved forward in purchasing that house despite foundation problems, we would have been putting ourselves at an immense risk. Ignoring such blatant issues wouldn't have been a very wise decision. In this situation, the property disclosure protected us from hidden costs and helped us decide not to purchase the home.  

Just like a property disclosure reveals details about a structure's condition, God's Word is a mirror that reveals details about our weaknesses, sins, and other areas of our lives that we need to change. However, "hearing" it isn't enough — we have to put it into practice if we want to grow in our faith. As Pastor Tim reminded us on Sunday, God's Word is only a firm foundation if we hear it, apply it, and allow it to produce fruit in our lives.

– James 1:22

We aren't promised an earthly life without trials and tribulations. The rains will eventually come, the winds will blow, and the waters will rise. But if you choose to build on the rock, you don't have to worry if you will remain steadfast. Jesus promises that if you actively apply His words to your life, your foundation will stand firm no matter what comes your way.