The strength of any building is determined by the quality of its foundation. Jesus taught that whoever hears His words and follows them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock (Matt. 7:24). Conversely, an unwise person hears the words of Jesus but ignores them, resembling someone who builds their house on sand (Matt. 7:26).
The storms of life will come, regardless of whether our homes are built on rock or sand. This is a familiar reality, especially for those, like me, who grew up in regions prone to tropical storms. Storms do not discriminate; they test every structure in their path. In this parable, the difference between the two homes lies in their foundations – everything else appears identical. Both may have the same design, materials, and finishes, making them look alike on the surface. However, storms reveal the true strength of any building.
The storms of life – doubts, frustrations, discouragement, disappointments, setbacks, and mistakes, among others – test the foundations of our lives. When such challenges arise, having a solid foundation is both a comfort and a blessing.
What happens to a life built on sand? In this parable, sand symbolizes anything that is not rooted in the teachings of Jesus.
Building our lives on the rock of Jesus’ teachings requires effort and intention. Yet, when storms inevitably come, our ability to stand firm or crumble depends entirely on the foundation we’ve established. We would be wise to accept Jesus’ invitation to hear and obey His teachings, for they form the foundation that withstands life’s storms.
What do you think?
Junior Spooner is the pastor of Kinnaird Church of God.
