From the window of my office in Singapore, I observed that a plot of land was being excavated to make way for a new building. But for many months, the building project didn’t seem to make much progress despite a flurry of activity.
Apparently, the engineers weren’t too happy with the foundation. So they employed various techniques over a lengthy period of time to ensure that it was firm. And, lo and behold, once the foundation was established, the building project went into “overdrive.” Within 2 weeks, it was already two stories high.
Jesus used the parable of the foolish and wise builders to conclude His Sermon on the Mount. It speaks of the importance of our life’s foundation—something, regrettably, that is often out of sight and out of mind.
So how can we be like the wise man who built his house on the rock? Jesus gives us two key imperatives: “[Listen] to my teaching” and “[follow] it” (Matthew 7:24).
What are some ways we can “hear” the Word? Here are some ideas: attend church services, join a small group, personally read and study the Bible, listen to audio sermons in the car. Then we need to do what it says. This means responding to what we hear by allowing God’s Word to change our thinking and shape our behaviors.
Life will always make demands on our time and energy that cry out for immediate attention. Taking time to hear God’s Word and do what it says, by comparison, doesn’t shout quite so loudly when neglected. It can be effectively shortchanged for large periods of time before it gives way to a sinkhole-like cave-in.
Let’s be deliberate in taking the time to hear and obey God’s Word, for the wise person builds a life on biblical truth.
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Isaiah 6:1-13
More:
Read Luke 10:38-42 and notice why Jesus commended Mary.
Next:
What can you do to make sure you’re hearing and applying God’s Word? How does it affect you when you’re regularly studying it?
GChoo on May 22, 2014 at 5:44 am
‘Out of sight and out of mind’, it is so true for me especially to make decision that does break or make us. Poh Fang, thanks for reminding us through scriptures the importance of life’s foundation. We truly need to build our life on God’s Word to shape our lives and change our behaviour. I know from my own experience that when I trust in my own understanding and the moral standards of the world, I didn’t experience true joy and peace. However when I make it a habit to dwell on God’s Word I learn to be wise and understanding, joyous and peaceful despite my circumstances.
Yes, we need to make a deliberate effort to stay close to God’s Word, to help us build a firm foundation to see us through whatever circumstances and temptation we may face in this world. God bless.
Mike Wittmer on May 22, 2014 at 5:50 pm
This is a terrific challenge to give attention to the basic, non flashy aspects of our Christian life. Thanks, Poh! Towering lives for Christ will fall with a crash if we stop paying attention to the foundation.
daisymarygoldr on June 1, 2014 at 11:55 am
People may attend church services, small group, personally read and study the Bible, listen to sermons till they’re blue in the face and not get it. A person can even be a great Christian yet not hear God speak through His word. These were the words of Mother Teresa: “the silence and the emptiness is so great that I look and do not see, listen and do not hear”.
Hearing does not involve our natural sense of hearing but the receptivity of our hearts to understand Jesus’ teachings. Jesus said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” (Mark 4:9). And understanding is not related to intellect but our obedience to act on what He said.
Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions (Proverbs 18:2). When there is no right understanding, there are varying opinions on what His word means. To follow catchy opinions of teachers who will tell people whatever their itching ears want to hear, will result in destruction.
You have rightly pointed out that the wise person builds a life on Biblical truth. Many are building on ‘all truth is God’s truth’ no matter where it’s found. Interestingly, in the parable both the wise and foolish built houses. Both were hearing and doing. On the surface, all who claim to follow Christ are doing works in His name and look the same.
The rain, flood and wind determine if the foundation is firm or faulty. The storms of life such as loss of health, jobs, and lives of loved ones, will certainly come to test our faith. If our faith is not grounded on Christ the solid Rock but on the sinking sand of human efforts, it will cause the crisis of faith.
We may preach, teach or perform wonderful works in His name but except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. So, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow Him. Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:6-7