Daily Christian Journey

Building on a Firm Foundation

As we navigate the complexities of life, it’s essential to recognize that our spiritual structures are only as strong as their foundations. The apostle Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:9-13 that Jesus Christ is the only foundation upon which we can build, and that our choices of materials will ultimately be revealed for what they are.

The Danger of Faulty Materials

An engineer inspecting a damaged building in Haiti illustrates this point. With a simple scrape of her fingernail, the supposedly solid “cement” block crumbles, exposing the subpar materials used in its construction. Similarly, our spiritual edifices can be fragile and vulnerable to collapse if built on faulty foundations.

The False Self

Spiritual writer Basil Pennington astutely observes that our false selves are constructed from false attachments, including what we possess, what we do, and what others think of us. These attachments can be like rusty nails or watery cement, ultimately leading to spiritual instability.

A Question of Identity

How much of our sense of self is tied to these three aspects? If we were stripped of them, who would we be? This is a crucial question, for it reveals the true nature of our foundation. Are we building on the shaky ground of external validation, or on the rock-solid foundation of God’s love?

The Goal of Spiritual Transformation

The journey of radical Christian spiritual transformation, as described by David Benner, is one of deepening intimacy with God. As we walk this path, we come to realize that God’s love for us is unwavering, and that He is committed to constructing us into reflections of His glory. But we must be willing to surrender our faulty materials and allow Him to build with His own.

A Prayer for Guidance

Father, thank you for revealing the inadequacy of our self-constructed foundations. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You, and to choose materials that align with Your purposes. May our spiritual structures be built on the solid rock of Your love, and may we reflect Your glory in all we do.