Building on The Rock

When Jesus finished his exhaustive Sermon on The Mount, recorded in chapters 5 - 7 of the Book of Matthew, he encouraged his listeners to heed his words saying, "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" (7:24).

He likewise warned them against ignoring them: "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" (v. 26).

The lesson we generally take from these statements is that the wise man's house stands against the storms of life, while the foolish man's house is destroyed, lacking a firm foundation, which is certainly a true comparison. 

But, did you ever consider why anyone would be so foolish as to build his house on a sand foundation?  Two reasons: 1) They didn't invest any time or energy trying to understand why the wise man built on the rock instead of the already level sand and 2) building on a rock foundation can be very challenging. 

Going with the flow, doing whatever ever strikes your fancy, giving in to peer pressure, not taking a stand - the "building on the sand" lifestyle requires little but costs much in the end. Foolish folk take the easier, short-sighted approach. Look at how many reach retirement with little or no resources. Consider the poor health of seniors. How about our "kick-the-can-down-the-road" politicians?

Taking the time, thought, preparation and energy to build on a solid rock foundation takes a lot in the short run but offers lasting results. Building on the Rock is more of an end game than a right now view of life. Financially, one is willing to forego some things today in order to have enough later. Physically, one is willing to eat less and exercise more now to be healthier later. Spiritually, one is willing to deny self or sacrifice now to develop a lasting faith.  Jus' Sayn.