BEDROCK



The Duke Power Building


Every time I visit the city of Charlotte, North Carolina it seems that there is another building under construction. I like a number of things about Charlotte – the warmer climate, the beauty of the abundant flowering trees and shrubs, and the fact that our daughter lives there. I also like the unique designs of the new buildings.


The new “skyscraper” buildings are distinct in their architecture. One structure in particular stands out in my mind. Unlike more common construction where the top of the skyscraper is a flat roof or a pyramid shape, the top of this building slopes to the sky in the shape of a an inverted triangle, and it is lighted by colored lights at night. In the relatively flat topography of Charlotte, it can be seen from miles away.

These buildings, though different in design, have similarities in form and function. Perhaps the greatest similarity is that they are each built on a solid foundation. The design of the building is immaterial if the building won’t last, and it would be foolish and dangerous to build on anything other than a solid foundation. So it is with our lives.


In the western culture, millions of lives are “under construction”. On the outside, they look great, and some rise high, but many are destined to fall because these lives rest on unstable foundations. Some people build their lives upon their wealth, which is subject to erosion and loss. Some build upon an attractive appearance, and over time this too is subject to erosion and loss. Some build upon power and control, and eventually, like Saddam Hussein and hundreds of others over the centuries, see it all come crashing down, and they die in the rubble.

As for me, I have foolishly tried building on different foundations. I tried to build on what I thought was a high level of personal strength and self discipline. I learned (the hard way) that I am not strong, but weak, and at times very undisciplined.

I have also tried building on my competencies – those areas in which I have gained knowledge and experience, as well as those areas where I seem to be naturally gifted. I discovered that I could never have enough competencies, and that my natural gifts, when used improperly or with the wrong motivation, turned into weaknesses.

So – upon what foundation should we be building? As always, the answer is found in the word of God.

In the 16th chapter of Matthew, we find a brief yet profound catechism lesson taught by Jesus to his disciples. He asked them “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” They recounted to Him what they heard among the people - “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” Then he asked the disciples “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.”

Christ’s response to Peter’s words tells us all we need to know about the foundation upon which we are to build. He said “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.”

What was the “rock” to which Jesus referred – the rock upon which He would build his church – a church so strong that all the forces of evil aligned against Christ and his kingdom could not overcome it?

That rock is the truth claim of God. The words came from Peter’s mouth, but were inspired by the Father in heaven. This truth claim – that Christ is the Messiah – the savior – is a foundational truth and is a cornerstone in the construction of a life that is meaningful and pleasing to God.

Everyone builds their life upon some foundation, and that foundation is either true and reliable, or it is not. All of the foundational “materials” I have mentioned – wealth, beauty, power, self discipline, competencies – are ill suited as the bedrock of life. The only reliable foundation is what is true. As it is with a physical structure that rises many stories high, it is foolish and dangerous to build on anything other than a solid foundation.

There are times when my life seems and feels a bit shaky and unstable. It is good to know that the bedrock never moves.

In Christ –

John


Soli Deo Gloria