When I hear the word foundation I generally think of building a house. Having built a house, I realize the foundation is a vital part to the longevity of the structure. God tells us in Matthew 16:18 “And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” Does a certain song come to mind about a wise man and a foolish man? His decision was based on how firm a rock is for a foundation. All homeowners realize early on that just because the house is on a firm foundation doesn’t mean it never needs repair. Maintenance or nurturing is an important part of ensuring what you have built continues to exist. Without maintenance, your house may fall, the foundation will still be intact, but without proper care and attention, the structure could be ruined.

As I was thinking about the importance of a firm foundation and building a structure, I also thought about aspects of our life that require a firm foundation to survive. Building a marriage is not unlike building a house. The most important part of a home and a marriage is a solid foundation. Building a long-lasting friendship requires a solid foundation. Building a relationship with God, what does that take? God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal in 2 Timothy 2:19, “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity.” All of these require nurturing in order to maintain and strengthen what you have. These relationships are not one-sided. In other words, what do you give? What do you get? What do you expect? One must have the desire to put forth the time and effort necessary to strengthen any relationship.

Before we are able to nurture or minister to anyone, we must have a foundation that is built on Jesus. That foundation is started at the point we begin a relationship with God through His son Jesus. If we do not know God, then it is reasonable to conclude that He does not know us. Jesus wrote in Matthew 7:21-23, "Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity".

How is your relationship with God? Is your relationship with God according to scripture? Are you an active participant in your relationship with God? Some of the things I like to think of as building blocks to nurture a relationship are, read your Bible everyday to know Christ better, talk to God in prayer every day, share Christ with others, worship, fellowship, and serve with your brothers and sisters, as a child of God demonstrate his lifestyle through yours. 1 John 4:15, “If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in him and he in God.”

Be a reflection of God

Bill Darnell