North Texas soil is not the best to build on. In fact, most builders would say we should not build any houses in North Central Texas due to the shifting soil. Eventually, we all see cracks in our walls and ceiling. It’s not unlike our culture. We see the relational and social cracks all around from high divorce rates, to the high percentage of the fatherless. We see many families living at the poverty line and our economic and political system is in disarray.
Jesus calls us to a different life style. All through the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7, Jesus tells us if we want to have a blessed life then live how he’s calling us to live. He says, “You have heard it said but now I say.” He tells us the kind of attitude we should have, how we handle our relationships and what worship and prayer should look like. At the end of the sermon, he tells a story about two builders, reminding us if we don’t want cracks in our life and relationships, the foundation on which we build everything in our life is so incredibly important.
When you look at both builders in Matthew 7:24-29, we see both of them had a dream to build something. Both went to the same church. Both heard Jesus speak. Both lived in the same neighborhood. Both endured the same storm. Yet one is called wise and the other a fool. Which is which can only be determined by the foundation on which they build their life and dreams.
You see, wise people act upon the Word of God. Jesus says in Matthew 7:24, wise people hear Jesus and then go and do what he has said. Wise people put into practice how Jesus is calling us to live every day.
Wise people do not compromise the Word. Jesus says in Matthew 15:6, “You cancel the Word of God for the sake of your own traditions.” When we try to mix our way (sand) and God’s way (rock), it’s called being double-minded and God will not bless that kind of life (James 1:7-8).
Wise people anchor their house on the Word of God. Both houses had beautiful curb appeal until the storm hit. The house built on sand came crashing down. For those of us who have decided to build our life on Jesus Christ, the storms will still come. The difference is our house or life will not crumble at the first gust of wind.
What we discover is that our foundation will determine our future. So if you want longevity; if you want a life with purpose; if you want a life that will stand through life’s storms, build on Jesus. Jesus invites us to surrender to him and in doing so, we will have the ability to withstand the storms of life. Blessings on the journey.