WHAT IS A STRONG FOUNDATION?

LUKE 6:46-49 NKJ 
46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings and does them, I will show you whom he is like: 48 He is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently against that house, and could not shake it, for it was founded on the rock. 49 But he who heard and did nothing is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against which the stream beat vehemently; and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” 

Growing up in church, I have always heard of building your house on the rock.  We used to sing the song as kids . . . The wise man built his house upon the rock, and the rains came a tumbling down.   Isn't it amazing how songs from over 50 years ago can come back to you?  Don't ever think you are not planting good seeds in your children when you take them to church.  But back to the building on the rock.  I have also heard, build your life on Jesus because He is the Rock.  I have no problem at all with that thought, but it does beg the question: how do you build your life on Jesus? 

In this passage, Jesus tells us what makes up a strong foundation.  Those who come to Him hear His words and do them.  The foundation is for those who do, who put into practice, His words.  Remember, He very plainly said in verse 46 that if He is our Lord, we will do what He says.   

Coming to Him and hearing His word is good but strength and stability come when we become doers of His word.   

Jesus likened those who acted on His words to a wise man who dug deep and built his house on the rock.  The foolish man built his house on the sand, with no digging and no strong foundation.  Digging is hard work.  Practicing, doing, acting on God's word requires effort and is not easy.  But having a life that is strong and able to withstand storms  is worth every effort.   

APPLICATION 

This passage may help explain how so many Christians really had their lives take a bad turn in 2020.  There is a big difference in simply going to church and being a doer of God's word.  Church is a huge help, but it is a help introducing and confirming in our life what we need to act on.  It's in the action that our foundation is strong.   

So, ask yourself, what do I need to act on as it relates to God's word in my life?  Where do I need to do some digging?  Is it rejoicing, praying, being grateful?  Maybe serving, giving, or walking in love.  All of us have areas we can get stronger in.  But remember, this is not wasting time; it's building a strong foundation.   

PRAYER 

Dear Father, please reveal to me in Your word and by the Holy Spirit the areas that I am hearing but not doing.  I want to build a strong unshakeable foundation in my life, relationships, career, and service to You.