The idea that we need a strong foundation is one that I know that I have heard time and time again in all sorts of topics, conversations, and lessons. In building, crafting, learning, and overall growth, the place to start them all is with the right foundation.
“11For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 3:11 (ESV)
The foundation for me in this world is that which is Jesus Christ. Everything I had, have, or will have are built on my relationship with and continued reliance on Christ and nowhere else. When I start something with me or some other base, I fail, if not immediately, sometime and usually that failure is of epic proportion.
“6I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 7So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth.” – 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 (ESV)
The analogy that Paul uses here is telling. I think of the plant in the crack of the sidewalk. That plant is started in the crack and with water it grows, however the foundation to which it is planted is the sidewalk and those are used for transportation. Therefore, that sidewalk is a less than an optimal foundation for the plant to prosper. Now if we take that same plant and place it in an open field, there is space that is largely left alone and with more earth, water, and fortification to spread and continue growing at the right pace. The planter and the one supplying water both do the work they are to do, however the real difference in the growth of the plant is found in the foundation and environment provided by God.
We are called to do work in this world. We are here to plant, build, water, and cultivate. We will be most successful with those tasks when we do them with the right foundation, the foundation that is Jesus Christ.
Where are you planting, building, watering, and cultivating? Are you looking out for where you start, or just taking what comes? Your foundation is…?
Trevor's Thoughts 