Building on the Rock

“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.” Matthew 7:24 (NIV)

We must carefully choose the foundation upon which we build our lives.

Jesus wisely used the illustration of a man building a house to emphasize that the strength and durability of a house depend on its foundation. Just as a faulty foundation leads to a house's collapse, building your life on the wrong beliefs can result in uncertainty and instability.

Let's examine some faulty foundations you may be tempted to rely on:

Popular Culture: Following the crowd may seem enticing, but offers no lasting stability. Popular trends change constantly, leaving you on shifting sands with no firm footing.

Tradition: While tradition can have its merits, it isn't infallible. It may fade over time, and following it blindly can hinder your growth in God's plan for your life.

Reason: Our intellect is a gift, but it has its limitations. Proverbs 16:25 warns, "There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end, it leads to death" (NIV). Relying solely on reason can steer you in the wrong direction.

Emotions: Feelings are fleeting and can be deceptive. Trusting your emotions alone may lead you astray, subjecting you to constant manipulation by your moods.

Considering these shaky grounds to build upon, we must establish our lives on a solid foundation: God's Word.

While popular culture shifts, traditions fade, reason falters, and emotions deceive, God's Word stands unchanging. It is the solid rock upon which we can confidently build our lives.

P4 Discussion Question:

Do you need to reinforce your foundation? Or do you need to move to solid ground and re-set your foundation?