I lived on Russian Hill, and my sister lived in the Marina District during the 6.9 earthquake in San Francisco on October 17, 1989. It was unsettling, especially for my sister, as her neighborhood was shut down for several weeks without running water or electricity. The most extensive damage happened to the Marina because its foundation was insecure, built on uncompacted, sandy ground. In contrast, Russian Hill was built on Rock and suffered much less damage.
A firm foundation is critical not only for the integrity of a building to withstand but for ours to withstand the inevitable storms of life. A firm foundation of faith enables us to have security and hope regardless of our circumstances.
In Matthew 7: 24-29, Jesus tells us whoever hears His words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the Rock. Then he went on to say everyone who hears His words and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.
Many build their lives on shaky foundations like popular opinion, wealth, career, and fame. These things are not bad but do not bring lasting satisfaction, can be taken away, and tend to lose importance. We were made for so much more than living self-centered lives.
Building a secure foundation on God's Word brings purpose and satisfaction and leads to a life of integrity. God's truth brings wholeness, equipping us with everything we need to live for His greater purpose; it explains how things work and is a basis for making decisions. Christianity is a worldview that leads to endless hope. Christ alone can satisfy our deepest needs and desires. Only Christ can take away sin and make one a child of God.
At the vital corners of our lives, Christ provides the firm foundation to live lives of eternal purpose, living God's way—a firm foundation of security and strength even when things get shaky.
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