The MountSample

Matthew 7:24-27

Title: We may be hearing, but are we listening?

Today you will learn: The challenge to put Jesus’ words into practice.

While I was in school, my teacher gave us this interesting little test just for fun. His only direction? Make sure you read through everything before you start. 5 minutes later he passed out the tests and we began. It was an odd test with about 30 directions on it with things like ‘draw a circle’, ‘write your ABC’s’, and ‘what color is the sky’. None of it made sense until you got to the very bottom of the second page. It said in bold letters, “Ignore everything on the test, only write your name on the top of the page”. 

Guess who failed the test along with most of the class? See, we were all given the directions from the teacher, “Read through everything before you start”. We all heard it, but did we actually listen?

Jesus says, “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” The house stands firm and strong, but if you do not listen he says, “you are like a foolish man who builds his house on the sand”. How many times do you hear the teachings of Jesus, take it in, it swims in your brain, then falls back out? Too many to count for me. I am not truly listening to the words of Christ. I’m not letting them sink in and rest on my heart and on my mind. Too many times I skim the pages of my Bible believing I am wise. I then discover how foolish I can be and how much more I have to learn.

I want to challenge you today to truly listen to the words of Christ. If you read scripture and think back without remembering, re-read it. Do not be a foolish person who builds their house on the sand only to get washed away by the rain. Be wise and build a solid foundation on Christ: He can withstand any storm.

Summit prayer: Father, help me to open my ears and my heart so that I truly listen to you, not just hear.