about the significance of "foundation" lets ask ourselves a few basic questions:
(1) Does a tree thrive because of its robust branches, the beauty of its leaves or strength of its roots?
(2) Does a building stand erect because of its windows, walls and doors or is it based on its foundation?
(3) Is the true strength of a man in his external appearance and dress code or in the strength of the inner man?
(4) Does the security of a family lie in its external adornments or the value system it upholds?
(5) Does the power and prestige of the nation lie in its flashy external attractions or does it lie the purity of its ideology and definite goal?
In all of the above-mentioned examples we know that the truth lies in the latter part of the of the sentence. And there are ample instances of downfall (headlong) that has befallen individuals, families or nations that have given importance to the external rather than the internal.
Jesus Christ rebuked those whose lives were like a cup cleansed from the outside but was full of greed and indulgence from within; or like a whitewashed tombs from outside but filled with dry bones from inside. Shouldn’t the church of our Lord Jesus Christ be giving emphasis to internal holiness and values rather than focusing on the outward alone? If our focus is on the "immediate" and the "profitable" we cannot build a good foundation.
Modern man’s impatience is evident from most today’s children who are unfamiliar with the word ‘wait’ and seek instant gratification.
This trend of demanding instant results has crept into our churches also. Building a church upon the foundation of the Word of God requires patience. This calls for waiting for God’s time. If we build thus, the work will not happen at once or bring any gain. Much loss of wealth and time will occur and onlookers would mock at us.
Every tree has its trunk, branches, leaves, flowers and even the fruits. Yet, is it not the root carries them all? While all parts of a tree are significant, it is the root that is crucial! The windows, doors, wall and floor of a building may all be beautiful, yet if the foundation in weak, its future will be shaky. Similarly, the church of God may have a good worship place, beautiful instruments, wealthy members etc. Yet without a strong foundation of the Word of God, it may degenerate into yet another club.
Mathew 7:24 ff says that those who hear the Word of God and work according to it are like people with a good foundation while others are like the house built on the sand. Mathew chapter 5, 6 and 7 describes the significant aspects of Jesus’ teachings. Humility, repentance, meekness, justice, mercy, pure heart, peace and patience are the internal values through which Christ began his teachings, which actually emphasize relationships towards God and man. Those who hear and obey these teachings are the ones who are built on the good foundation.
True Foundation – what it is and what it is not!
(i) Nothing in the church can be gained through wealth or lost due to lack of it.
Is there anything at all in today’s world that cannot be obtained through wealth? Anyone can reach a particular position, enjoy any privilege or purchase anything if one has money. We have come to a point that where positions in the field of education, administration or even authority are gained through spending of money. However, money cannot convict a man of his sins or bring salvation to him. Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for the Kingdom of God belongs to them. While wealth can be earned, what does being poor in the spirit mean? A genuine spiritual poverty that causes us to hunger after God’s righteousness cannot be created artificially or purchased.
Revelation chapter 3 speaks about the Laodicean church who consider themselves as rich and not poor. That is why Christ says that they are in their destruction. If anybody among them really understands their emptiness well and seek the face of Lord in humility, will they receive the Lord (Rev. 3:17–20).
Neither can the wealthy receive the baptism in the Holy Spirit because of their wealth (Acts. 8:20). And it is for this very reason that so many people wander aimlessly today. How precious is the experience of true anointing! There is nothing else in this world that would give us such satisfaction.
There is no ministry in the church that can be earned through wealth. Any such mistaken notions ought to be corrected. Such individuals may strive to creep up to a position for a while, that will not last long. In fact, such appointments will affect future generations.
(ii) Church of God has nothing that can be gained through human influence.
Mark 10:35–40, we see some people who tried to influence the man Jesus to gain special positions in the Kingdom of God. "Lord, let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory", was their request. It is interesting to hear our Lord’s reply, "These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared". This is powerful response the Lord has to tell us today!
(iii) No pretensions (acting) in the Church of God
One thing Jesus despised and hated the most was hypocrites. Jesus rebukes pretensions both in prayer and devotion. I wonder who Jesus had in mind when he talked about the prayer of the tax collector and Pharisees? What could be the church affiliation of this Pharisee who judged, criticized and slandered people even in prayer? (Luke 18:9-14). Our Lord tells us that the tax collector went home justified. What is most clearly spelt out here is that the actor (pretender) will have no means of escape.
Each person has to come to the foot of the cross individually. Only then will one realize his /her pathetic condition. Pride will be destroyed. The robes of one’s self-righteousness must be cast away and discarded. There must be much weeping and crying aloud. This is where one will weep, cry aloud and confess thus:
This is where the foundation of one’s Christian life is laid. If that foundation is firmly and properly laid down, he will not be swayed easily. "Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?" (Rom.8:35).
This aspect is lies totally shattered today. Although large numbers of people are baptized today, it is very rare to find people who display the character of Christ. The irony is that the ones who are responsible to teach the significance of this aspect have also failed in this regard. What will be the fate of the people if the builders of the church view ‘matters of foundation’ lightly? The Lord is not going to ask us how many people are there in our church. What is important is the number of ‘disciples of Christ’. Let this mind be in us that was in Christ Jesus. The Lord desires it!
Our mission is to build the church of God and not a religion or an organization. To achieve that end, we need to preach the true gospel and teach the word of truth in clarity. The church which doesn’t preach the gospel is not the church of Christ. Let us not be content with the number of the people inside our churches, instead consider seriously the number of people outside the church.
Let our attention and energies be spent wholly on increasing in our internal holiness, spiritual health and genuine love of God rather than focusing on making quick returns or on the externals alone!
THE CHURCH AND ITS FOUNDATION