What does it mean to build your foundation on Jesus?

Building your foundation on Jesus is a profound and multifaceted concept that touches on various aspects of Christian life and theology. To fully grasp what this means, we need to delve into the teachings of Jesus, the New Testament writings, and the lived experience of the Christian faith. The metaphor of building a foundation is vividly illustrated by Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew, where He describes the wise and foolish builders:

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash." (Matthew 7:24-27, NIV)

In this parable, Jesus emphasizes the importance of not only hearing His words but also putting them into practice. The "rock" represents Jesus Himself and His teachings, which are solid, reliable, and unchanging. The "sand," on the other hand, symbolizes anything else that people might build their lives upon—whether it be wealth, power, human wisdom, or even religious practices devoid of genuine faith. To build your foundation on Jesus means to make Him the central, guiding force in your life, influencing every decision, action, and thought.

Understanding Jesus as the Foundation

The Apostle Paul also speaks about Jesus as the foundation in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 3:11, he writes:

"For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ."

Paul is clear that Jesus is the only true foundation for a life that is pleasing to God. This foundation is not just about acknowledging Jesus intellectually but involves a deep, personal relationship with Him. It means accepting Him as Lord and Savior, recognizing His authority, and committing to follow Him wholeheartedly.

The Role of Faith

Building your foundation on Jesus is intrinsically linked to faith. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as:

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Faith in Jesus means trusting in His promises, His character, and His redemptive work on the cross. It is through faith that we are justified and reconciled to God (Romans 5:1). This faith is not passive but active, manifesting in obedience to Jesus' teachings and a transformation of one's life. James 2:17 underscores this by stating:

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

The Teachings of Jesus

To build your foundation on Jesus, you must immerse yourself in His teachings and strive to live them out. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) is a comprehensive guide to what it means to live a life grounded in Jesus' teachings. Here, Jesus addresses a wide range of topics, from the Beatitudes, which describe the attitudes and characteristics of those who are blessed, to practical instructions on how to live righteously.

For instance, Jesus teaches about the importance of humility, mercy, and peacemaking (Matthew 5:3-9). He calls His followers to be the "salt of the earth" and the "light of the world" (Matthew 5:13-16), emphasizing the need to influence the world positively. He also addresses the inner attitudes of the heart, such as anger, lust, and the love of enemies (Matthew 5:21-48).

The Role of the Holy Spirit

Another crucial aspect of building your foundation on Jesus is the role of the Holy Spirit. Jesus promised His disciples that He would send the Holy Spirit to be their Helper and Guide (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live according to Jesus' teachings and to bear fruit in their lives (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit also provides wisdom and discernment, helping believers to navigate the complexities of life and to remain steadfast in their faith.

The Community of Believers

Building your foundation on Jesus is not an individualistic endeavor but involves being part of the community of believers, the Church. The New Testament frequently uses the metaphor of the Church as the "body of Christ" (1 Corinthians 12:12-27), with Jesus as the head. Being part of this community provides support, accountability, and opportunities for growth through fellowship, worship, and service. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to:

"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."

Endurance and Perseverance

Building your foundation on Jesus also involves endurance and perseverance. Life is filled with trials, challenges, and temptations, and a foundation built on anything other than Jesus will ultimately falter. Jesus Himself warned that following Him would involve taking up one's cross and facing persecution (Matthew 16:24-25). However, He also promised that those who remain faithful to the end will be saved (Matthew 24:13).

The Apostle Paul, who faced numerous hardships for the sake of the Gospel, wrote in Romans 5:3-5:

"Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us."

Practical Application

In practical terms, building your foundation on Jesus means making Him the reference point for all areas of your life. This includes your personal relationships, career, finances, and even your thoughts and attitudes. It involves daily practices such as prayer, reading and meditating on Scripture, and seeking God's will in all decisions. It also means being willing to surrender your own desires and plans to follow Jesus' lead, trusting that His ways are higher and better than your own (Isaiah 55:8-9).

The Ultimate Hope

Finally, building your foundation on Jesus gives you a hope that transcends this life. Jesus promised eternal life to those who believe in Him (John 3:16), and this hope anchors the soul, providing stability and assurance even in the face of death. The Apostle Peter writes about this living hope:

"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you." (1 Peter 1:3-4)

In summary, building your foundation on Jesus means making Him the cornerstone of your life, trusting in His promises, living out His teachings, relying on the Holy Spirit, being part of the community of believers, enduring through trials, and holding onto the hope of eternal life. It is a comprehensive, all-encompassing commitment that transforms every aspect of your existence, providing a solid and unshakeable foundation that withstands the storms of life.