January 30, 2009
Great Undergarments? Great Foundation!
by Laura MacCorkle, Crosswalk.com Senior Entertainment Editor
He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.
Luke 6:48, NIV
When you hear the word "foundation," what comes to mind? A house, right?
Probably most of us do think of a home or some sort of building with a foundation being the support system upon which it is built. And routine inspection and maintenance is required to make sure it stays in good condition.
But me? When I hear "foundation," I first think of women's undergarments. Okay, now I know that that is a bit unorthodox. But just bear with me for the next 400 or so words.
You see, each January as a young child, I remember seeing advertisements in the local newspaper (back in the day when most people still took the paper) for "Annual Foundation Sales." And there were tasteful (by today's standards) pictures of ladies wearing various undergarments with sale prices and descriptions to accompany each.
"Why are they calling it a foundation sale?" I remember asking my mom when looking at one department store's ad. "Because they are the foundation pieces of a woman's outfit," my mom replied. Ohhhhh.
Now as an adult, and as someone who has logged way too many hours watching the TLC series What Not to Wear, I know that this is true. The cohosts of the show (Clinton & Stacy) are constantly preaching this gospel that what one wears underneath an outfit will greatly affect how one's clothes look and fit. So that first layer really does matter when it comes to outward appearance.
With garments called "miracle" this or "wonder" that and materials that promise to lift and support, suck in and smooth out, this "foundation" business is big business when it comes to women's apparel. These elements are the unsung wardrobe heroes, with industrial strength elastic, wiring and boning that help us present our best selves to the world.
So as odd as it is, when I read Jesus' words in "The Wise and Foolish Builders" parable in Luke 6, I can't help but think of undergarments when I see the word foundation. What kind of polyester-spandex-fabric support system is holding me together beneath my outfit? And is it making a difference in my image?
Beyond this trivial example, upon what is my life built? That's what Jesus was getting at here. Is your life constructed atop solid rock-something that will last and help you weather the storms-or on something flimsy or nothing at all?
But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete (Luke 6:49).
In verses 46 and 47, Jesus conveyed that our lives should be built not just on hearing his words-but on putting them into practice in our lives. That means living out the Word. Being obedient and bearing fruit. These are our "spiritual undergarments" that make for a solid foundation.
Since we're still at the beginning of a brand-new year, perhaps it's time you did a little inspection today to check out your life's foundation. What's underneath your exterior? What precautions should you take? And what repairs do you need to make to ensure that you are secure?
So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness (Colossians 2:6-7, NIV).
Intersecting Faith & Life: What is causing the cracks in your life? Be honest. Is it disobedience? Selfishness? Pride? Denial? Apathy? Whatever the source (and however much you don't want to acknowledge it), identify it today. Then, seek the Lord's direction in making necessary changes for the proper maintenance of your life's foundation.
Further Reading
Psalms 62:8, NIV
Isaiah 26:3, NIV