Building on Sand

Tuesday, August 15

Building on Sand       

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

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a powerful analogy of two builders – one wise and the other foolish. The difference lies not in their enthusiasm for building, but in their choices concerning the foundation upon which they build their houses. Matthew 7:24-26 says “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.”

The wise builder is compared to someone who hears the teachings of Jesus and actively puts them into practice. In doing so, this person builds their life on the solid foundation of God’s Word. This foundation is like a rock, firm and unshakable. No matter what storms may come, the house built on this foundation stands strong and secure.

However, the foolish builder listens to the words of Jesus but fails to put them into practice. This person builds their life on the shifting sands of worldly wisdom and desires. When the storms of life rage, the house built on such a foundation cannot withstand the force, and it crumbles.

This parable holds profound spiritual significance for each one of us. We are all builders, constructing the edifice of our lives daily through our thoughts, actions, and choices. The foundation we choose determines the strength and resilience of our lives in the face of trials and challenges.

Are we wise builders, grounding our lives in the eternal truth of God’s Word, and diligently applying its principles in our daily living? Or are we like the foolish builder, allowing the allure of worldly pursuits to take precedence over God’s guidance?

Building our lives on the solid foundation of God’s Word requires intentional effort and commitment. It means seeking God’s wisdom through prayer and studying His Word regularly. It involves surrendering our will to His and aligning our lives with His divine plan. As we embrace the teachings of Jesus and put them into practice, our lives become like the wise man’s house, firmly anchored on the rock. The storms of life may come, but we can stand with unwavering faith, knowing that God’s truth sustains us. When we encounter trials, challenges, or doubts, we can rely on God’s promises and find our refuge in Him.

Let us be wise builders, investing in the unshakeable foundation of God’s Word. As we build our lives on His truth, we will experience His peace, strength, and unfailing love, which will carry us through every storm and season of life.

Prayer for today: Heavenly Father, I desire to be a wise builder, establishing my life on the solid foundation of Your Word. Help me to diligently study and apply Your teachings in my daily life. May Your truth guide my decisions and actions, and may I find strength and security in You when challenges arise. Grant me the wisdom to seek Your will above all else, knowing that with You as my foundation, I can withstand any storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.