Got Change?Sample

WISE BUILDER

Two builders had great plans of building their own houses, they both called the best of the architects in town to give them blueprints. The architects came up with the best of blueprints and it was time for them to build. The men set out to build these houses. They got the best of the materials, people and resources to make this possible and finally the houses were completed. They stood there and everyone who passed couldn’t help but notice the magnificence of these houses.

One day, the rains came with heavy winds and soon it flooded the localities around these houses, one weathered the storm and the other came crashing down. What made the difference? - The rocks. The builder who built his house on the rock, withstood the storm, while the other builder, who built it on the sand saw it come crashing down.

Jesus ends the Sermon on the Mount with this parable, He spoke full length about unique kingdom beatitudes, being a salt and a light, fulfillment of the law, real standards illustrated with references to murder, lust, divorce and oaths. He spoke full length about deeper relationships that has genuine love for enemies and care for the needy. He spoke about the essence of prayer, fasting and about relationship with money, the worries of life in stark contrast with seeking God’s kingdom first, judging others, asking, seeking and knocking, narrow and wide gates, false and true prophets and disciples. The sermon finally ends with the parable of the wise and foolish builders.

What made the builder wise? Jesus answers - it’s in hearing diligently and putting all He said into practice. When the heavy whistling high speed winds blow and the rains fall with floods welling up, this house which is our life stands strong, while the world around us makes us turn away from God’s word and our fleeting emotional currents pull us away from His path, Jesus reminds us to put His words into practice which ensures that the house – our life and faith is steady, solid and unshaken by circumstances around and within us. Wisdom therefore is in practice and not in some deeper pursuit in contrast with the world’s philosophy. Let us be wise builder Practioners.

The CHALLENGE to Change:

Most of us know what is right and yet battle with applying this knowledge in our lives. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. Romans 7:19

Make a list of the teachings of Christ that you are currently failing to practice. Ask the Holy Spirit to help the knowledge of His word to sink into your heart and become understanding that in turn translates into wise decisions and actions (wisdom). Make that decision to change today.