Dear Church Family –
On today’s date, September 18, in 1793, George Washington, our first U.S. President, led in the laying of the cornerstone of the U.S. Capitol building.
I think we all understand the importance of foundations. If a foundation is weak, or “off,” the whole building is in jeopardy. If the foundation is strong and secure, it gives structure to the whole building.
Foundations are not just critical in architecture; they are critical in your life, your marriage, your family, your church, and your nation.
Jesus memorably demonstrated the importance of life foundations in one of His most famous and well-loved stories. Jesus said,
“Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” (Matthew 7:24-27)
George Washington understood the importance of foundations. He oversaw the laying of the foundations of our nation—both the literal foundations of our government buildings, and the moral and spiritual foundations of our system of government.
In his First Inaugural Address, he acknowledged the “Almighty Being who rules over the universe; who presides in the counsels of nations; and whose providential aids can supply every human defect.”
In his Farewell Address he said, “Of all the dispositions and habits which lead to political prosperity, religion and morality are indispensable supports. In vain would that man claim the tribute of patriotism, who should labor to subvert these great pillars of human happiness, these firmest props of the duties of men and citizens.”
While we lament the destruction of, and departure from, the moral and spiritual foundations of our nation, we also pray and work to keep the foundations strong in our own lives, and families, and marriages, and churches.
Yesterday we contemplated the kind of person who makes a difference in a dark society. “Now you followed my teaching, conduct, purpose, faith, patience, love, perseverance, persecutions, and sufferings…” (2 Timothy 3:10-11)
It reminded me of the words of Jonathan Edwards, who was a contemporary of George Washington in the first years of our nation. Edwards said, “Resolved first, that all men should live to the glory of God. Resolved second, that whether others do or not, I will.”
Because of Christ – Pastor Tim