Foundations

There was a saying we always told our newest recruits to recite should a customer ever ask them how long they had been with our company: “I’ve been around construction all my life.” The intention was never to evade the question but rather to bolster the confidence of the consumer that they had selected a company who hired competent workers to build their project. If pressed, then the recruit could honestly say how long they had been with our firm; however, rarely was this ever followed beyond the initial inquiry.

So, let me ask you a question: Can you honestly make the same claim? Have you been around construction all your life? Some of you might profess that you have no clue about construction and couldn’t tell the difference between a left-handed wrench and a right-handed hammer. There may be some of you who dabbled in the industry while going through college or during summer break, but that has been ages ago and your profession of choice has long since replaced the callouses on your hands that hand cream couldn’t soften.

It is possible that the honest answer for those of you I’ve pointed out would be a resounding No! However, honesty has a nasty habit of inflicting second thoughts. Look at the question again, not as what you think it says, but what it factually asks. It is quite possible you’ve thought it asked have you worked in construction all your life, where it actually only asks if you’ve only been around it. Think for moment…who hasn’t been around construction? Just drive down the road, you are bound to pass at least a couple of projects – it might even be the repair of the road itself.

Okay, so we can agree that you, just like me, just like everyone on the face of this planet, has been around construction all their life, right? But is that still the whole truth? Is there ever a time when you might not have been around construction? This is foundational (every pun intended here). If you don’t think so, then take a gander at these writings.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ: even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before him in love:
(Eph 1:3-4)

According to the grace of God which was given unto me, as a wise master-builder I laid a foundation; and another builds thereon. But let each man take heed how he builds thereon. For other foundation can no man lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
(1Co 3:10-11)

Father, I desire that they also whom you have given me be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which you have given me: for you loved me before the foundation of the world.
(Joh 17:24)

Who hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
(2Ti 1:9)

Before the foundation of the world. Foundations are construction projects of the highest concern. Entire structures, even planets, are supported upon them. Principles are foundations, as are beliefs and values, where entire societies rise and fall on their ability to endure the storms and turmoil which assail their foundation. Regardless of how society is moving, there is a construction project you where around before you were even around. In other words, your life, the eternal life you have, not what you’ll hopefully have one day, but do possess right this very moment, has always been in the foundational love and grace of God, expressed in Jesus, the Christ. Paul even claims that you are still a work in progress. You’re not closed for construction as might be thought by many, you are still opened for construction.

There is a lot of talk these days going around about people being in deconstruction. My take on it is pretty simple: Foundations take time to prepare. Paul was pretty clear, there is only one foundation: Jesus Christ. Jesus’ foundation was pretty clear: God loves him, and he want us to experience it. Deconstruct that. You can’t because it is a foundation laid in grace.

Whatever you’ve been through in this deconstruction process of yours (and I’ve been through a lot myself), you are going to find that the BS you’ve lived in, walk through, and spewed, which may have been for your entire life – all of which now seems like such a total waste of your time and energies – might seem like the structure or edifice, but it’s not. In the foundation business, it is merely loose dirt being excavated to reach solid ground. Your best strength and support will never be seen by anyone. Foundations are always buried. You’re not as built-up in your most holy faith as you might have thought you were, thankfully, you’re just deep – deep in an eternal love. It’s foundational.