Foundation
Scripture Reading — Matthew 7:24-27
Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.
Have you ever seen pictures of a house fallen into the sea after a storm washed away its foundation? I can’t imagine what it would be like to watch the house I call home ruined by a storm. It must be devastating and make you feel so helpless.
Jesus gives some building advice in the parable we have read today. But he is talking about more than building houses. He is talking about building our lives and making sure their foundation is firm, made up of wisdom and faith in him.
This foundation requires two things. It first involves listening to Jesus’ words. Listening is really important and can be hard to do. I work with students a lot, and getting them to listen to instructions isn’t always easy. Listening often means putting aside our own ideas or agendas and paying attention for a while.
But listening is only the first step in the foundation of our faith lives. The next step is doing what he asks of us. If we only listen and don’t do what is asked, we haven’t really accomplished anything. Our faith can be filled with knowledge and belief, but if it isn’t tied to action, it rings hollow. Doing is really important!
Is the house of your life built on the foundation of faith that involves both listening to what Jesus is saying and doing what he asks? That is the way of life Jesus is calling us to.
Lord, give me the faith that listens to your Word and does what you ask. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Bret Lamsma
Bret Lamsma is director of faith formation at a church in Denver, Colorado, and has served churches in Michigan and California in youth, inter-generational, and educational ministries. Bret and his wife, Julie, have two children, and he enjoys hiking, camping, and visiting national parks with his family.
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