Building Your Life on the Rock

Have you ever watched a child meticulously build a LEGO creation, following each step of the instruction manual with unwavering focus? It's a sight to behold, isn't it? But what if this simple act of childhood play holds a profound lesson for our spiritual lives?

The LEGO Life Lesson

I've watched children who love LEGO sit for hours, poring over instruction manuals that are hundreds of pages long, carefully placing each piece exactly where it belongs. Whether it's a B-17 bomber or a massive aircraft carrier, their diligence never wavers.

As I've observed this, I've realized something: God has given us an instruction manual for life - His Word. But how often do we approach it with the same diligence and focus as a child with their LEGO instructions?

In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus tells us:

"Therefore, whoever hears these sayings of mine and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on a rock. The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall."

This passage isn't just a nice story - it's a blueprint for our lives. Let's break it down:

Storms Will Come

First things first: Jesus promises that storms will come in our lives. It's not a question of if, but when. Both the house on the rock and the house on the sand faced the same storm. As Jesus says in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

We Choose Our Foundation

Just like the two builders in Jesus' parable, we have a choice in how we build our lives. Will we build on the shifting sands of worldly wisdom, or on the solid rock of God's Word? Deuteronomy 30:19 reminds us, "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Now choose life..."

Knowing Isn't Enough - We Must Apply

Here's where the rubber meets the road: it's not enough to just know God's Word. We have to apply it. It's like having the best set of weights money can buy, but never actually lifting them. Knowledge without application won't build spiritual muscle.

Building on the Rock Helps Us Weather the Storms

When we listen to God's Word and apply it, we build our lives on a foundation that can withstand any storm.

So, how can we build our lives on the rock?

• Prioritize reading and studying God's Word daily.

• Don't just read - apply what you learn to your daily life.

• When facing decisions or challenges, turn to Scripture for guidance.

• Surround yourself with a community of believers who can encourage and support you.

• Remember that building on the rock is a lifelong process - be patient with yourself and keep at it.

Remember, whatever storm you're facing, know that when you build your life on the rock of Jesus and God’s Word, you will outlast it, you will overcome it.

As Jesus said, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). So let's be like those diligent LEGO builders, carefully constructing our lives according to God's instructions. When the storms come - and they will - we'll be ready to weather them, standing firm on the solid rock of Christ.

Reflection:

1. How diligent are you in studying and applying God's Word to your life?

2. In what areas of your life do you need to build a stronger foundation on God's Word?

3. How have you seen God's faithfulness during challenging times in your life?

4. Are there any areas where you're currently building on sand instead of rock?

Application:

Choose one area of your life where you need to apply God's Word more diligently. This could be in your relationships, finances, work, or personal growth. Commit to studying what the Bible says about this area and make a plan to put it into practice.

Prayer:

God, thank you for your Word, which provides a solid foundation for our lives. Help us to not only hear your words but to put them into practice. Give us the diligence to study your Word and the courage to apply it, especially during challenging times. May we build our lives on the rock of your truth, so that when storms come, we will stand firm. In Jesus' name, Amen.