We know, historically, that there are several monuments called Wonders of the World, and it’s quite interesting that most of these wonders were built through heavy and intelligent construction engineering. This industry has produced some of the most brilliant and creative structures built by man. However, many of these wonders had to follow a simple concept that even our Lord Jesus taught while He was here on earth: the principle that whatever structure is to be built must have a foundation, and that foundation must be on a rock or strong ground if it is to stand the test of time.

However, we see the LORD teaching us something again in construction, because a foundation is a structural element (sub-structure) that connects a building to the ground, transferring the building’s weight and loads safely to the earth — not just to the earth, but to a layer of the earth that is able to carry the proposed structure.

We see that really the original foundation is also the solid base on which the “foundation/sub-structure” must rest for the building to stand.

“24. Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27. And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” — Matt 7:24–27

There are two types of buildings that we need to pay attention to: the internal building and the external building.

1. INTERNAL BUILDING: This refers to your personal walk with God or your personal life. The message here is that whatever you must build in your life must be founded on a rock, and that rock is the Word of God. Your marriage, your career, your relationships — all must be well founded.

Now, not every ground on earth is strong; not every terrain is rocky. Some places are swampy, some are water bodies, and some are just sand — so many different types of terrains. But one thing is constant in all these different terrains: if you dig enough or investigate enough, you will eventually get to the rock or be able to create a rock for that context.

So, it’s not enough to just have surface knowledge; it’s important to grow in width, depth, length, and height, so that no matter the terrain you find yourself in, you know that you are unshakable.

For some situations or contexts, there are generic instructions in the Word of God — the strong strata that is on or close to the surface — easily spelled out.

While in other contexts, you have to dig deep and investigate thoroughly so that you can found your structure on the rock, which is the Word.

2. EXTERNAL BUILDING: Pastor Dami once said, “Any honour that isn’t visible is not honour.” In the same vein, a personal walk with God that isn’t obvious in your interactions with men may be a shaky foundation. While it is true that God sees your heart and the state of your relationship with Him, He does not expect that all your good works be a private affair.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16

As earlier mentioned, it is important that your internal building (your foundation) is built right. However, nobody lives in a foundation; every foundation is laid so that a house can be established. It is only when the house is built that the veracity of the foundation is tested.

The external building, in this case, refers to your service in God’s house, your interaction with people, your diligence, your commitment, and so on. The only way we can tell what is abundant in your heart is through your words and actions.

It is quite easy to be a good Christian in your personal devotion, but how God gets glory from your personal devotion is when people give thanks and glory to Him just because they met or interacted with you.

If Christ is your firm foundation, is it apparent to men?

God Bless Your Heart.

Ifeoluwa Akingbemila

IG @i_am_ife

Push Buttons is a weekly devotional of The Powerpoint Tribe.