"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine, and acts according to them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house upon the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock" (Matt 7:24-25).
Jesus used the illustration of a house on a firm foundation to emphasize the importance of building our lives on His words. Many people passively tolerate the Bible while they build their foundations on worldly values. However, Jesus clarifies the need to actively choose a foundation based on His teachings.
1. To Ensure Enduring Life through Troubles
Life's unavoidable troubles, both spiritual and physical, often test our foundations. If the foundation is built on Jesus' words, we'll be equipped to withstand the trials and even turn them into opportunities for growth (2Cor 4:17, Jas 1:2-4).
2. To Achieve Spiritual Anchoring
Building our lives on the words of Jesus provides the spiritual stability that nothing else in this world can give. Scripture reveals our value, purpose, and destiny, while its truth provides an unshakeable bedrock for our lives.
3. To Bring Clarity in Decision Making
When we base our lives on Jesus' words, we're provided with a framework to navigate decisions. God's truth provides clear-cut wisdom and moral guidelines to make choices that honor Him and advance His kingdom.
4. To Develop a Resilient Character
Living by God's word shapes us into resilient people. His truth prepares us for challenges, cultivates peace, and equips us to endure hardship with hope (Rom 5:3-5).
5. To Avoid Life Built on Unstable Ground
Without a commitment to Jesus' teachings, our lives can easily get consumed by temporal, unsteady foundations. The pursuit of self, possessions, or fleeting pleasure leads to discontentment and dissatisfaction.
6. To Appreciate True Prosperity and Happiness
Jesus' words offer the blueprint for true happiness and prosperity (Jn 10:10). Living by them results in an abundant life because we're tapping into God's divine resources, understanding, and purpose.
7. To Secure Eternal Life
More importantly, the foundation of Jesus' words guides us to eternal life with Him in Heaven. The Scripture is a roadmap that leads to salvation in Messiah Jesus (2Tim 3:15, Acts 4:12).
In conclusion, living according to Jesus' teachings means building our lives on a firm foundation—a source of life's stability, moral truth, and the assurance of salvation. It's an active commitment to make the words of Jesus the very base of who we are and how we live. This lifestyle allows us to face life's challenges while finding comfort, strength, and joy in Him.
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/karmazyna
Marlena Ziebelski has been in ministry for over a decade, working with youth and young adults, with a heart for evangelism and missions. She has a Theology degree and a background in teaching, focusing on Biblical Studies. Marlena's passion is to create disciples of Jesus who walk intimately with Him and boldly represent Him. She is a prayer enthusiast and an unapologetic believer of God's Word. Marlena is married to a musician/computer programmer, Wiesiek, and mom to three girls. She enjoys music, arts, literature, and spending time outdoors. Find her blogs at http://marlenaz.homeblog.co and more writings on Christian Page or LinkedIn.
This article is part of our Encouragement Resource Library, full of resources from our guest-writers and ministry partners designed to uplift and inspire hope in everyday life and faith. May these rich resources bring you reassurance, encouragement, and joy during any trial or life challenge, as you sense God's healing hand on your life. To access our Library often, save or bookmark this url: holyrisingrc.com/library. We Pray these Resources bless Your Journey. May God Love You Well today, and Always. -The Holy Rising Team (& Ministry Friends)
(No Hashtags Please) ❤️☮️❤️ Photo Credit: Unsplash CC via Rawpixel.com - Nuages Borowski's Used Here, Only With Our Credits, To Share Devine Beauty Of Nature With Our Honored Guest-Writers' Inspirational Words, Encouraging Our Readers. Thank-You, To God be the Glory, And Blessings To You. - The Holy Rising Team 2021. "God's Ambassadors," "Resting Our Hearts In His Heart," "The Advocate," "Building True Life", And "Finding Comfort, Strength, And Joy In Him," Copyright © 2021, Marlena Ziebelski, All Rights Reserved. Scripture Quoted Can Be Found At: BibleGateway.Com. Featured And Support Images, By Sincere, Talented, Prayer-Answering Photographers And Graphic-Artists Here On Unsplash - Nuages Borowski, Rawpixel.com, And To Those Uncredited In Holy Rising's Library Compilation.
Scripture Twinned: Matt 7:24-25; 2Cor 4:17; Jas 1:2-4; 2Cor 5:3-5; Rom 5:3-5; Jn 10:10; 2Tim 3:15; Acts 4:12
Scripture Used In Credits Image: 2Cor 4:17, KJV
Unsplash Photo Collab: Marlena Ziebelski's Writings - Uncredited In Final Image And Mixed By Holy Rising Team, Using Unsplash's Free Media, For Devine Beauty Inspiring God's People & Uniting In Love, Here On This Platform - February 2021.