SCRIPTURE:
“I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it.
It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built.
But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.””
Luke 6:47-49
OBSERVATION:
I recall awhile back, watching a disastrous earthquake in a third world country. The destruction was widespread; city and country alike, buildings shaken down to heaps of rubble. Literally.
I remember asking myself how such destruction could come at a quake with a magnitude that was indeed severe, but one of similar strength in the States years before was damaging, but not of the "reduced to rubble" effect that it had in the third world country.
When I was chatting over lunch with a contractor friend of mine, the topic came up, and Tim answered by simply saying, "Building codes."
Then he said, "They're strict and redundant and irritating at times, but when you don't have 'em, you shortcut to save money. You let things slide. You cover things up so it looks good externally, but is shoddy and deficient underneath. But when bad things happen, that's when it all gets tested."
APPLICATION:
Jesus used a simple illustration of building on solid rock to reveal the thoughts and intentions of man when we cry out "Lord, Lord!" and really have no heart behind that cry.
He used the Beatitudes, loving your enemies, not judging others, and issues from the heart as "building codes" for our faith to be constructed around.
We can call out to the LORD, sing with perfect pitch, dance, shuck and jive, speak well-rehearsed words of faith and religiosity, all without the "building codes" that Jesus uses, right in this part of Scripture.
The real test is when the storm hits. Without being judgmental, I have seen "rising stars", those who appeared to do great things "for God", with the applause of man…then suddenly, heart breaking falls from grace.
Why?
Because a storm hit on a structure with no "building codes".
I will not only heed the "building codes" of Jesus, I will allow myself to be examined by trusted, God-fearing, equally accountable brethren to ensure no short cuts or whitewashing tombs happen in my life.
All it takes is one storm; why should I be foolish to chance 'em?
PRAYER:
Lord Jesus! Lord, Lord!
May my cries to You ring true and solid, and may You place in my life, accountability brothers who will check and recheck my walk with You.
The building codes You order in our lives are for our good, and for the credibility of the Gospel.
May I never take them lightly nor try to manipulate them in my favor. Thank You for Your wisdom and grace. Amen!
