Transformation-a Foundation of Values
Scripture Reading — 1 Corinthians 3:10-15
If any man builds on this foundation … his work will be shown for what it is.
1 Corinthians 3:12-13
The bamboo plant seems to do almost nothing for the first four years of its life. But sometime during the fifth year, it shoots up 90 feet in 60 days. Would you say that the bamboo grew in two months or five years?
Bamboo could not grow so rapidly unless it stored up nutrients for several years. Christians as well can have times of amazing growth, but often the source of that growth can be traced back to a foundation of values that was firmly established earlier.
If Christ Jesus is the foundation of our life, we can help build a huge skyscraper of spiritual growth. If we commit ourselves to biblical convictions while we are young, we will reap a harvest of righteousness. When Christ is first in our lives, growth spurts result, even though it may be years before the results show.
Building on the foundation of Christ with gold, silver, and precious stones means living life with firm convictions and God-glorifying values. Selfish pleasures will not survive the grave. They will be burnt up. But anything founded on Christ will not be destroyed by the fire of judgment.
So build on the foundation of Christ’s finished work with enduring values like faith, hope, and love. Don’t be discouraged if results aren’t immediate. Growth will come. It’s the promise of God.
Father, thank you for the firm foundation of Christ’s finished work. Help us to build solidly with faith, hope, love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and more, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
About the author — Dean Deppe
Dean Deppe has been a pastor in inner-city, suburban, and rural churches. Currently he teaches New Testament theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. His courses include one on the parables of Jesus. He and his wife have four grown children.
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