The Foundation of Action
“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. 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. 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 rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” Matthew 7:24-29
Let’s be real clear about Jesus is saying here…the foundation of our faith is what we do! Remember His words about the religious people of the day; “Do what they say, but do not do what they do.” And because they did not practice their faith, Jesus had some pretty harsh things to say about them.
There is one great similarity and two great differences in the two individuals Jesus describes in the seventh chapter of Matthew.
The similarity was that both these people heard. Both heard the word of God. In today’s term, both probably attended church, both paid attention and both understood the truth. And both built houses, in this case, vessels which housed their faith.
But now for the differences…one acted upon what he heard and the other did not act. The one who acted built his house upon a rock while the one who failed to act built his house on the sand.
And the result? When the storms of life came, the house built upon the rock stood strong and weathered the storm. The house built upon the sand got washed away…there was no substantial foundation.
The storms are coming, you know. They are coming to you and me, regardless of how special we think we are. We wonder if we will be ready and we try to strengthen our faith for that critical time. What we need to learn from Christ here is that acting upon our faith is what strengthens it. Doing something for Christ, responding to His call on our lives, makes a difference.
When we reach out to a stranger, visit a shut-in, forgive someone who sins against us, love someone who hates us, provide food and shelter for those who have none, reach out to the lonely, support the unloved…Jesus says when we do those things for others, we do them for Him.
And He says to those, “Job well done, good and faithful servant!”
And to those who don’t do those things? Well, Jesus says, “Depart from me for I never knew you.”
We are here today not because of what Jesus said but because of what Jesus did. And He calls us to act…to act upon His words…to follow His commandments…to serve and love our fellow man. And when we do, He becomes the strength, the foundation of our lives. And when the storms come, our faith stays strong through Him. Thanks be to God.