"Therefore anyone 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 it's foundation on the rock. But. everyone who hears...and doesn't put into...practice is like a foolish man who build his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against aht house, and it fell with a great crash." Matt. 7:24-27
What a simple picture, but how easy to miss in the busyness of our days. We would never build our houses on sand. How foolish. But, in everyday decisions, it's easy to put our hopes on things that are sandy...shifty. When my kids and I talked about this, it was one of those "light-bulb" moments when we all realized that the stupidity of building a house on sand is the same stupidity that makes us build our lives on what people think of us or that money could really buy us what we want or that our families will really offer all we need. All of those situations are shaky. Let a few friends decide you are lame, buy everything you can trying to fill your needs and put all your dreams in your spouse or how your children will "turn out" and watch as the walls of your life begin to come down like sand castles in the rising tide.
Everything changes. Look around you. Everything you are looking at will change. The trees drop their leaves and eventually fall down, your computer will become obsolete, food will ruin, businesses will close, your house will eventually crumble, your hands will get wrinkly, one day you'll die. It all changes. Except for one thing. And it turns out, that one thing is what the foundation of our life can and should be built upon to last. The one who created the ocean, streams, rain, wind, rock and even sand...He is the only one worthy of our lives. And when we build our lives, our homes, our work on the foundation of Jesus Christ, our changing, uncertain lives will count for more than just us. They will be a part of the big picture that has been going on since the beginning of time.
In our world where everything around us changes, it's comforting to know we can build our lives on the one who never changes. "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)Ahhh, what a nice place to live.
IDEA: Share this passage with your kids, family or even your kids friends...it can spark a great discussion. I first asked my kids, "What are the storms, rivers, and winds that blow against us." But, then I realized, that's the wrong question. What is important is our foundation. "Who do you want to please? Where do you find hope? Who are you trusting?" Those are the better questions to answer, because when the foundation is right, it won't matter what the storms and winds throw at us: we will not be shaken.
"My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken." Ps. 62:1-2
*If you have questions about how to begin your foundation with Christ, please feel free to email us. We would love to share the Hope we have found in Him. mail@momandlovingit.org
