The One Sad Thing About “Foundations”

/ Foundational Thoughts / By

** Sigh. **

It’s true.  There’s a sad truth about building strong foundations in and for your life.

Have you guessed?

You’ll likely be doing this alone.  Or, maybe you are part of a group.  Maybe you’re going through these ideas as part of a small group study, Sunday School class, or with a spouse or close friend.  But…someone you’re very close to, very concerned about isn’t interested.

Not at all.

That brother or sister, parent, child, neighbor?  Not the slightest interest in developing better habits.  Healthier perspectives.  Making better choices.

What do you do?

Let’s back up a minute.  Here’s the thing.  Ultimately, the one person we’re 100% accountable for is our self.  When Jesus talks about salvation, about eternal life, he described a narrow path: “For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” (Matt 7:14)  How narrow?  It’s personal, individual: “Of Him all the prophets bear witness that through His name everyone who believes in Him receives forgiveness of sins.” (Acts 10:43)

For each person, there are many things external to us, that we have little or no control over:

  • Who our parents are, where we were born, other particulars about our family;
  • Some of the ways we’ve been misunderstood, or mistreated;
  • Physical characteristics, injuries, or diseases;
  • … And many others.

But we are responsible for how we respond to these things.  Honest disclaimer:  All too often, I don’t do too well.  How about you?  That’s why this blog is about BUILDING strong foundations.

I’m not making light of what you’re going through.  But I do believe, and am grateful in my own life, that Jesus Christ can make a profound difference…

  • Teaching us, warning us, and giving the grace to forgive others. AND ourselves;
  • Helping us to love others, even those who are “un-lovely” (and you KNOW I’m not talking about appearances!);
  • Giving us strength, resolve, and grace to overcome obstacles; and
  • Teaching us, by His own example, about humility, peace, and more. The apostle Paul teaches about the fruit of the Spirit:  “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…” (Gal 5:22, 23)

What are other “foundations” we may work on, but that others may have no interest in?

  • Exercise; healthy eating
  • Adequate rest
  • Work/life balance (Spirit, soul, and body)
  • Avoiding substance abuse
  • Developing better perspectives
  • Seeking better discernment

So, back to the question.  You’re willing to grow, to mature, to work on core issues of your life from which you will stand, or fall.  But that loved one who has no interest of changing his/her life?

Two thoughts.

  1. From a Christian perspective, Jesus said: “Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matt 5:16)
    • Shine; not overwhelm. Illumine, don’t blind.
    • Let’s pray that we may be winsome, that we may win some.
  2. In general? Having strong foundations in YOUR life, can help you stand firm when that person does need a hand.  Jesus: “And He also spoke a parable to them: “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Will they not both fall into a pit?” (Luke 6:30)

Finally, let’s be careful how we judge.  That other person very well may be working through some “foundation” issue we’re totally unaware of.  That’s where grace comes in.  “Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.”  (Luke 6:42)

Your thoughts?

Blessings!