Lord, help me to do Your will today, by carrying out Your commands! Then when trials and hardships come to me, my faith in You will stand firm, like a house built on rock.
Reflection
When I read Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7: 21-29, I can't help but think of the story of the Three Little Pigs; it must be all those cartoons I've been watching with Lily. Obviously however, Jesus had a much deeper meaning. I'll try to make some sense of it.
If the threat of disaster where to come our way, would we be ready to meet it and overcome it? The kind of foundation we build our lives upon will determine whether we can survive the storms that are sure to come. Builders usually lay their foundations when the weather and soil conditions are at their best. It takes foresight to know how a foundation will stand up against adverse conditions. Building a house on a flood plain, such as a dry river-bed, is a sure bet for disaster! Jesus, Who knew the Scriptures inside and out (remember, He is the Word) likely had Proverbs in mind when He told His disciples that “a wise man builds his house upon a rock”. When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever. (Proverbs 10:25)
Just before that, He gave them (and us) a warning: We may fool humans with our speech, but God cannot be deceived. He sees the heart as it truly is — with its motives, intentions, desires, and choices (Psalm 139:2).
There is only one way in which a person’s sincerity can be proved, and that is by one’s practice. Fine words can never replace good deeds. Our character is revealed in the choices we make, especially when we must choose between what is true or false, and good orevil. Do you lie, or cover-up, when disclosing the truth will cause you pain or embarrassment? Look at this man's story, for example. A true person is honest and reliable before God, neighbor, and oneself. Such a person's word can be taken as trustworthy.
If we make the Lord and His Word the rock and foundation of our lives, then nothing can shake us or keep us from God's presence and help.
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