Scripture
Luke 6:47-48
“As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built.”
Observation
Everyone who ‘hears my words’, AND ‘puts them into practice’. This is the distinction that Jesus made–not merely those who HEARD his words, but those who PRACTICED what Jesus taught. All of the head knowledge about God will do me no good if I am not actively putting into practice that which I know.
Application
This is where faith gets uncomfortable! This is where I have to put action to my knowledge–to put skin in the game, and iron resolve to my good intentions. It’s not enough to merely know what I should do. Jesus is calling me to do that which I know I should do. I am not saved by my works, but my savior expects my works to align with the faith that I profess.
This week, I need to work on cultivating the Holy Spirit fruit of self-discipline. I need to put action to my faith, and sink the pillars of my life down deep to the bedrock of Christ alone. The world may shake, and storms may blow–but I choose to anchor my life in Christ. Not merely with the words that I speak, or with good intentions in my heart–but with daily, active, living, growing faith which is supported by the choices I make each day.
Prayer
God, thank you for being the solid rock on which I can build a strong life! Thank you for your patience with me, as you transform me daily into your image. Thank you for giving me wisdom to live, and strength to make the decisions each day that I need to make…to align my life with your Word and your heart!