A person constructing a quality structure will use products that ensure stability. No doubt, a stable building begins with a stable foundation. The same is true in life: A stable life begins with a stable foundation.
In Matthew 7:24-25 Jesus said that everyone who hears His words and puts them into practice is like a wise man who builds his house on the rock. Similar to the way God’s Word is the proven source for a steadfast life, concrete is a proven source for a stable structure. Likewise, pouring truth into a person’s life is very similar to pouring concrete.
Much can be learned from those who pour concrete with the purpose of creating a firm foundation:
Evaluate Soil Conditions
Prior to pouring a concrete foundation, the area must be cleared of objects that might interfere with the pouring process. In much the same way, we should evaluate to see whether there is interference in the lives of those we’re trying to reach with the gospel: Are they saturated with the world’s theology? Have they had a poor church experience? Perhaps personal hurt or adversity has left them disillusioned about the things of God. Of course, we want people to receive the truth of Jesus. But not all hearts are prepared to hear the truth, let alone receive it.
If concrete is poured on unprepared ground, it will be weak at best, will most likely crack, and will eventually crumble. Similarly, when we pour truth into lives that are unprepared to receive it, it may initially appear effective. But over time it may prove to have little or no long-lasting effect.
Prepare Conditions
Only Jesus Christ can change hearts and lives. For this reason, pray for those who resist hearing and receiving the truth of Jesus. Ask the Lord to soften their hearts and to give them the desire for godly living.
It’s also important to convey truth within a specific context. Consider this: People who pour concrete do so within a form or framed perimeter for a specific purpose. Otherwise, the concrete will run out all over the ground, becoming too think to properly set up. Similarly, we should know the purpose for which we are pouring out truth and form perimeters for the hearer to best receive it. Without purpose and perimeters the truth may be spilled out yet not be solidified in their minds and hearts.
Purpose and perimeters go hand-in-hand in sharing the gospel. The apostle Paul demonstrated this by communicating truth in a manner that best reached each unique audience (1 Corinthians 9:19-22). With purpose in mind, Paul adapted his approach to best fit his audience’s personal point of reference.
As disciple makers, our one purpose for sharing biblical truth is to encourage others to grow in their relationship with Jesus. Therefore, we are to follow Paul’s example by allowing Christ to communicate through us in a manner that each person can grasp.
Understand the Curing Process
Concrete cures in stages, and the length of time it takes to set up is dependent on multiple factors: moisture, temperature, environment, etc. Don’t miss this: No human can completely control when concrete will solidify. Similarly, it takes time for truth to take hold in the lives of others—it’s a process that no human can control in the heart of another. Therefore, we should convey truth with unconditional love and patience (1 Timothy 1:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:14), leaving the finishing work to Jesus.
Are you anticipating pouring foundational truth into the lives of those around you?