TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
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. Matthew 7:26
Read: Matthew 7:24-27
Listen: Matthew 7
TODAY’S MESSAGE
Jesus offers a challenging narrative about two builders to encourage his listeners to do what he says. One builder displays great wisdom. He doesn’t build just anywhere but but digs deep to solid rock. Building on rock may take more time and resources, but the builder knows this will pay off in the end. The other builder selects a less secure spot. He may have rushed his building, just wanting to get to the final product. Jesus urges his listeners to take care in how they build their lives. The wise builder cements a solid life by putting into practice what Jesus taught. Jesus isn’t looking for fans—he wants followers.
Our culture offers many things to build our lives on. We may think a solid life structure includes a robust bank account, a picture-perfect family, a successful career or adventurous vacations. While none of those things are bad—they are terrible things to build a life on. These things can be snatched away in a moment. Yet what Jesus offers withstands any storm that comes our way and provides a firm foundation for eternity.
Jesus helps us build a solid life in him as we put his teachings into practice. We choose the firm foundation when we set aside anger and contempt to practice forgiveness and peacemaking. We build blessed lives as we evaluate the voices we listen to and look for the fruit of Jesus. Coming to Jesus in humility, we recognize we bring nothing and mourn our sin, thus contributing to the structure of a solid life built on him.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Spend a few minutes thinking about what you’ve built your life on. Confess to God where you’ve built your life on something other than his teachings. Ask for his help today to put his words into practice. “God, I recognize that I’ve build my life on ___________. Help me begin building my life on you and your Word. Amen.”
NEW TESTAMENT READING PLAN
Join us this year as we read through the New Testament.
Today’s reading is 2 Corinthians 13.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
