“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 3:11
Before I became a pastor, I worked as an environmental engineer. One of the classes I took was all about designing structures—especially foundations. I can’t say I remember my grade, but I do remember this: foundations are everything. If a foundation isn’t strong, whatever you build on top of it is bound to collapse. And even the best foundations can weaken over time if they’re not maintained, especially when exposed to things like water and erosion.
That’s exactly what Paul is getting at in today’s verse. He’s using a construction metaphor to make a spiritual point: the only foundation strong enough to hold up our lives is Jesus Christ. Not our own wisdom. Not our own achievements. Just Jesus—crucified and risen.
Paul warns that anything built on a different foundation won’t last. When trials come, when sin creeps in, when pride takes over, anything built on the wrong foundation will crumble. That’s why it’s so important that we build our lives on Christ alone.
Some of us are building simple, humble homes—lives that reflect the servant-hearted Jesus we see in the Gospels. Others are building something bigger—lives that showcase God’s grand glory. But no matter what we’re building, if we aren’t anchored to Christ, the whole thing is at risk of falling.
Rev. Dr. David Watson puts it this way: “The gospel is not an accessory to our lives. It is the foundation on which our lives must be built.”
So, here’s my challenge to you this Lent: take a walk around the “house” of your life. Check the foundation. Are there cracks forming? Is sin creeping in and weakening your trust in God? The Holy Spirit is like a master builder—guiding us, convicting us, and strengthening our foundation in Christ. If we allow Him to do the work, our foundation will stand firm, no matter what storms come our way.
Be confident in this: if your life is built on Jesus, you will not be shaken.
~Steve
