What foundation are you building your life on? In a world that celebrates wealth, success, and comfort, Jesus offers a radically different way to live. This way promises deep, lasting security. It may seem upside-down, but his teachings are a blueprint for how we can thrive, even when life’s storms hit.
In this post, we’ll explore how Jesus’ Sermon on the Plain in the Gospel of Luke challenges our modern values and shows us how to build a life on solid ground that can withstand anything.
Blessings in the Upside-Down Kingdom
Jesus’ words in Luke 6:20-23 flip everything we think we know about success and blessing:
“God blesses you who are poor, for the Kingdom of God is yours. God blesses you who are hungry now, for you will be satisfied. God blesses you who weep now, for in due time you will laugh.”
In our society, blessing is often associated with wealth, comfort, and recognition. But Jesus challenges that narrative by telling his disciples—and us—that poverty, hunger, and grief are the true gateways to blessing.
How can that be?
Let’s pause and think about what Jesus is really saying. He’s not romanticizing suffering or suggesting that we should seek hardship. Instead, he’s showing us that we are more open to experiencing God’s grace in our moments of need. When we feel poor—financially, emotionally, or spiritually—we discover the richness of God’s love. In our hunger for justice or peace, we are satisfied by his promises. And in our grief, God’s joy has a way of breaking through the darkness.
Take Sabrina, for example. After losing her job, she found herself wrestling with doubts and despair. But during this difficult season, she experienced God’s presence more deeply than ever. It wasn’t the removal of hardship that brought her blessing, but God’s comfort in the midst of it. Some of you reading this may be going through something similar right now. Jesus’ message to you is straightforward: You are not forgotten.
In fact, you are blessed not because of the pain itself but because God’s kingdom is breaking through in the middle of it. True blessing comes from his presence with you in those moments.
Radical Love and Mercy
Jesus doesn’t just stop at blessing those who are suffering. In Luke 6:27-31, He says something even more radical:
“Love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you.”
This teaching is a seismic shift from the wisdom of Jesus’ day—and even from our own. It’s one thing to love people who love us, but loving our enemies? That’s radical love. Yet, Jesus calls us to a love beyond what’s expected or comfortable. It’s a love rooted in the mercy we’ve received from God, which extends to those who mistreat us.
Think of the last time someone wronged you. Did you respond with grace? Jesus’ command to turn the other cheek, to give more than what’s demanded, and to love without condition can feel impossible. But that’s the point—it’s a call to live counterculturally. This kind of love isn’t about being a doormat but showing the world that our identity and dignity come from God, not from how others treat us.
Sabrina’s story doesn’t end with receiving God’s comfort in her time of need. When she encountered a coworker who had mistreated her in the past, she decided to respond differently. Instead of harboring bitterness, she bought him lunch and offered forgiveness. It wasn’t easy, but it changed the dynamic of their relationship.
Jesus’ teaching here is simple but profound: Radical love reveals the heart of the kingdom of God. It transforms us and those around us.
Living with Purpose: Building a Strong Foundation
As Jesus continues his sermon, He gives us a powerful image of what it means to live with purpose:
“It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built” (Luke 6:47-48).
Building a solid foundation requires effort. It’s not quick, easy, or convenient. In Jesus’ parable, the wise builders don’t just slap together a house on any surface; they dig deep, laying their foundation on solid rock. This solid rock is Jesus’ teachings—his life, wisdom, and love. When we build our lives on Jesus, we stand firm in the face of life’s storms.
Think about the alternative. So many people today build their lives on shifting sands—on wealth, status, or the latest trends. These things may seem stable for a while, but when hard times come, they crumble. Jesus offers us a more robust life, even when everything else falls apart.
But building on solid ground isn’t easy. It requires intentionality and sacrifice. Jesus isn’t one option among many—he is the foundation, the only one who truly knows and loves us. Following him may cost us something, but ultimately, it’s the only way to live with a real, lasting purpose.
How to Build on Solid Ground: Practical Steps
Now that we’ve unpacked what it means to build a life on Jesus’ teachings, how can we begin to live this out? Here are three steps to help you shift your foundation toward kingdom values, radical love, and purposeful living:
- Reframe Your View of Success. The world tells us that success is measured by wealth and status. Jesus, however, calls us to redefine success through humility, trust in God, and generosity. This week, take a look at your spending habits. Are you chasing comfort and status, or could you use your resources to serve others and deepen relationships?
- Practice Radical Love. Identify someone in your life who is difficult to love. This week, take one small step to show them kindness or forgiveness. Maybe it’s offering a compliment to a coworker who frustrates you or reaching out to a family member with whom you’ve had tension. Radical love is hard, but it’s the kind of love that changes lives.
- Build on Jesus’ Teachings. Reflect on one area of your life where you’ve been building on shifting ground. Maybe it’s how you handle your time, finances, or relationships. This week, commit to aligning that area with Jesus’ wisdom. Take a step toward building your life on a foundation that will last.
Conclusion
Jesus’ teachings seem upside-down in a world that prioritizes wealth, comfort, and success. But his way is the only way to build a lasting life. As we commit to living out these truths, let’s take one tangible step this week to shift our foundation—whether by practicing radical love, reframing our view of success, or trusting God in a new way.
Remember, Jesus never promised that following him would be easy, but he did promise that it would be worth it. So, where are you building? On the shifting sands of the world or on the solid rock of Jesus?
