Jesus is pretty loud and clear in what He says. He doesn’t expect that we will pick and choose what we like and leave the rest; but that that we will take hold of and act upon everything.
He says…“These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, homeowner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.
“But if you just use my words in Bible studies and don’t work them into your life, you are like a stupid carpenter who built his house on the sandy beach. When a storm rolled in and the waves came up, it collapsed like a house of cards.” (Matthew 7:24-27 The Message)
If we only listen to those around us and their understanding of God we will more often than not end up in a confused mess. But when we read the bible and study it, listen to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and also listen and learn from those more mature in their walk with God than us we will be able to take hold of His words and build our life on them.
Jesus also said, “Don’t look for shortcuts to God. The market is flooded with surefire, easygoing formulas for a successful life that can be practiced in your spare time. Don’t fall for that stuff, even though crowds of people do. The way to life—to God!—is vigorous and requires total attention”. (Matthew 7:13-14)
If you want to build a life that will not just “SURVIVE BUT THRIVE” then build your life on Jesus, His word, and His way of living. Then even if everyone else’s life is falling apart and crumbling around their ears, you will remain standing on solid ground because you’ve built your life; who you are, how you see yourself, your family and your future on the rock solid foundations of Jesus and His words. I encourage you to begin building and suring up your foundations in Jesus today, so that you can not only survive but thrive. Take the opportunity now to:
Read God’s word – start a bible reading plan, find a translation that you like, and that makes the word “pop” inside of you when you read it.
Spend time with and get in a community with others who are excited about their walk with Jesus.
Make time to grow in your relationship with Jesus, seek Him, just hang out with Him, put Him in the center of your life and not on the sidelines, and listen and do what He says.
Be consistent about these things, “for in consistency lies the power”.
When you build your life on these truths and principles “nothing is ever going to be able to keep you down”, so start building today.
Prayer: Lord I ask that you help me to remain consistent in my walk with you. I determine in my heart and mind to be like the wise builder who built his life on you and what you say. (Matthew 7:27) Help me to begin afresh to do that today. In Jesus name Amen.