Table of Contents
The Importance of Foundations
According to multiple sources, Texas is considered the state with the most problems with home foundations, primarily due to its widespread expansive clay soil that swells and shrinks significantly with moisture changes, causing significant foundation issues across large parts of the state. Foundations are important. Foundations are vital—an entire home, or any structure for that matter, is built on top of a foundation. If the foundation becomes compromised, the home will be affected. Cracks in sheetrock, doors that stick, exterior brick can crack, floors can slope, and the list of problems continues.
Biblical Perspective on Foundations
The Bible also talks about the importance of foundations. Jesus, in Matthew 7:24-27, specifically uses an illustration about foundations to compare a life centered on Christ with a life not centered on Christ:
Matthew 7:24-27
24 “Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. 26 And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”
The Meaning of This Parable
In this parable, Jesus is teaching that He is the rock. A life centered on Him will withstand the storms of life. In contrast, those who do not have Jesus as a foundation, a Christ-centered life, are like those who build a home on the sand. This house does not withstand the storms of life. As a matter of fact, the fall of this house is depicted as being, “great.”
Applying This to Marriage
This passage of Scripture is certainly applicable to marriages. Two lives, a husband and wife, centered on Christ will withstand the storms that come over the years because they are secure on a firm foundation—Christ. Sounds easy, right? No way is this easy. Notice that in this parable “the rain fell, floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house.” There is nothing easy about the storms of life. Jesus does not promise us an easy life or an easy marriage. What He does promise is a better life, a better marriage. A life and a marriage with hope. Hope to withstand the storm.
A Personal Testimony
Rachel and I recently entered the 35th year of our marriage. We could tell you about all kinds of storms. What we would like to tell you about, though, is our firm foundation—Jesus.
Practical Application: Building Your Marriage on the Rock
What is the practical application—the how? Practice your faith in Christ together. Rachel has coined the phrase, “pray dirty.” When the storms have raged, Rachel prays God’s word against that storm. Start with praying Colossians 1:9-14 over your spouse. I (Kevin) will get into the Word of God and camp out over the promises of God until the storm passes. Be a people who pray dirty and camp out in God’s Word. It’s called building your marriage on the Rock.
