What kind of ‘house’ are you building? Are you taking the time to know Jesus, planting yourself in His Word, committing to building a life of faithful obedience to Him?
[46] “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? [47] As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. [48] They are 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. [49] 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 6:46-49
There are two scenarios here: both people call Jesus, “Lord.” Both people are building a house. A house could be a picture of your life, and the things in your life that you are building – a family, a ministry, a business. One man takes the time to dig deep and lay the foundation on rock. This probably took quite a bit more time than doing it the other guy’s way: just building on the ground, without digging to the rock foundation.
It is so easy to build up without first digging down deep. It is more fun to build up, seeing quick results, and receiving praise for your work from others. I have watched so many people put on an appearance of having dug deep. They bask in the praises for their successes, only to be completely wiped out when the first storm hits. It is sad to see, and a humbling reminder for us all that there is no other rock upon which to build our lives. We cannot build upon our gifts, talents, great personality, or even upon facts and knowledge about God, without intimacy.
Jesus says when we hear His words and put them into practice we are building on a solid foundation. It is not enough to simply hear what He is saying. It is not enough to know what the Bible says and quote scripture. We must be faithful and obedient to every truth that He reveals to us. Those who make knowing Jesus and obeying His Word the priority of their life are hardly aware of the incredible ‘house’ being built as a result.
Digging down to the foundation is difficult and uncomfortable work. We will come across truth as we dig; truth that shapes our character, challenges our attitudes, uncovers hurts we’d rather leave buried, and confronts wrong beliefs. We must keep digging. We must be sure to build on nothing other than the solid foundation.
When your life is built on the rock of the unshakable knowledge and intimacy with Jesus Christ nothing will be able to shake you. Criticism will not shake you. Fear will not shake you. Unfathomable circumstances will not shake you. Disappointment will not shake you. Success will not shake you. Accolades will not shake you. Prosperity will not shake you.
Dear God, help us be a a people that are committed to having a solid foundation on Jesus and His Word! Help us take our eyes off of the ‘building’ and fix our gaze upon Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith!
