Matthew 7:24-27. English Standard Version

“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.”

Many who read the Bible will know about Matthew 7:24-27 – the house that is built on the rock and the house that is built on the sand. But how many literally think though the process or even take it seriously in their lives? I mean (Jesus means) every second, every decision, every thought, every action, every word we say, everything we are involved in, every person we hang out with, every dollar we spend… every part and every area of our lives! Wow, do we truly need to take it so seriously? Maybe we can visualize through the eye of a professional builder, or a homeowner who pays hundreds of thousands of dollars for their new house. If you consider that then we will certainly answer yes!

Recently, I had a friend who shared with me how a contractor they had used handled a problem in a very unprofessional way. In a place where they should have used solid materials, they instead used cardboard. Faster, easier, cheaper… those reasons may sound good, yet just like the story of the three little pigs, it could not hold when the rain, the fire, or the thief broke in. A house that is built on the sand is the same as construction that is built on cardboard. It could not hold the weight and the heavy storm that comes with from life. This is the same as the life we live in a world that is full of trouble, corruption, and chaos.

During the process of building a house, the very first thing a builder will look at is the land. They will desire to find land that provides a solid foundation. Afterwards, they will go through the process of calculating, planning and measuring the cost. This is include not only the materials for the house itself, but all the supplies that will be needed – water, gas, electricity… the driveway to access building site. Each step of the process will be outlined, and a complete plan will be put into place. A sincere home builder will not take any chances, and neither should a follower of Christ.

Building a life on Christ is a lifelong journey. My dear friends, I pray that you will not measure the learning process only by length, but also depth. Don’t seek only the quickest way to complete the process, but what will deepen your relationship with the Lord your God the most. Take heart in every part and every area of your life, partner with the true and ultimate Builder, and let Him work on the molding, the shaping, and the refining in your life. Let Him build your life into a house built on the hill and the light that everyone can see.