“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)

Further to my post earlier this week on discipleship, the above passage highlights a great story that Jesus told to illustrate the importance of hearing the words of God and putting them into practice. As an Architect, this story interests me a great deal! It is all about the quality and right choice of foundations and how you can build your life on the solid ground of God’s Word.

As we see in the Kingdom of God, foundations are also crucially important in the construction industry. A building project can rise or fall (literally!) on the quality of the foundations. In any building project, foundations take time and they cost a lot of money in comparison to other parts of the building. A large building can seem ‘in the ground’ for many weeks and months before it even reaches ground floor level. But this stage is vital and crucial for that building to be a success and for that building to last. Once that building is finished, the quality and design of the foundations can be seen throughout the building in the way it is laid out, constructed and finished.

Jesus knew this and used the passage above to teach us that to have true success in life, you have to build your life on the rock of God’s word. This isn’t a quick & cheap solution. There are no ‘crash diets’ for living in the Kingdom of God! The call to follow Jesus, to hear his word and put it into practice is a call that will consume your whole life, and will require daily decisions to sacrifice living your own life in your own way in your own time.

Yes, the costs are great, but the rewards are priceless and they are for all eternity. The foundations of a good building may take some time and some cost, but that building is then used and enjoyed by millions of people over it’s lifetime. In the same way, when we build good foundations in our lives in the Kingdom by hearing the words of Christ and putting them into practice. Not only does this way of living impact our own lives, but it will bless, inspire and influence those who come into our lives for the advancement of God’s purposes. We are not disciples in isolation, we are disciples in community.

Make the choice today to build good foundations in your life. Hear the words of God and put them into practice. You will see the effect and fruit of a life founded on God’s word. This life will impact and effect your home, your community and your place of work or study. The decision to be a radical disciple of Jesus Christ is a decision to change. It’s a decision to change your life and the world around you for the glory and fame of Jesus Christ.

Gavin White

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This entry was posted on Monday, February 4th, 2008 at 12:03 pm