To build any kind of structure that will last requires a firm foundation. Sand makes a poor foundation because water can easily wash it away. Gravel or hard clay is better, but the best foundation is built on solid rock.
In most parts of the country, we have seen what can happen when homes are built on poor foundations. Southern California is no exception. Just about every spring during our “rainy” season we have homes undermined by rushing rain water run-off and ocean side cliffs that crumble into the ocean taking their beautiful homes with them. Occasionally, homes that are built on fill dirt will suddenly settle and break in half.
Florida seems to have their own problems. With the high water table and low elevation, many homes suddenly disappear into gigantic sinkholes that form when the water erodes the unstable soil below.
The Bible says for Christians it is important that our faith be built on a solid foundation–lest it be washed away or crumble under the pressure of the secular world in which we live. Matthew explains that for Christians a strong foundation is built on the solid rock, the Word of God.
Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV)
24 “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. 25 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. 26 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. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Jesus is explaining that hearing about how to live is like building on a weak foundation—it can be washed away. But if you put into practice what He says, if you make it part of your life, it will be like building on a firm foundation—it cannot be easily washed away.
Application
It is not enough to go to church where you hear the Word. It is not enough to stay at home and read the Word. If this is all we do, Jesus says we are foolishly building on a foundation of sand—our faith can be easily washed away. If you want to have a faith that will stand up against the storms of life:
1) You must put your faith into practice,
2) You must do what you hear, and
3) You must do what you read.
Only then are you like the wise man that built his house on the firm foundation of solid rock.
For believers, there is no middle ground. Once we know the Word of God we build wisely.
Join the Conversation!
As always questions and comments are welcome. How is your foundation? Is one of these three steps harder for you than the others?
Category: Personal Development | Wisdom
