Matthew 7:24-27
I recently watched some television episodes of a home repair program and noted a pattern amongst a few home owners. They sought the help of a celebrity trade person to fix a problem with their newly purchased home and often, when explaining their purchasing experience, they blamed someone else for their decision. They would mention some of the steps they took to validate their potential purchase, including having a home inspection. However I noted that the desire to own a particular home blinded some people to the possibility of problems. During the program they mentioned they thought the crack running along the foundation or the wires dangling from the ceiling were suspicious. They had observed the large puddle on the basement floor and instead of seeking an explanation, they accepted the words “don’t worry”. To their untrained eye they noted faults that caused them apprehension and yet ignored the obvious. It was as if their desire to have that home overrode their common sense and all they wanted was the approval of the inspector to validate their decision instead of the details about potential problems.
Do you know someone who has shared their life struggles with you and during your conversations some solutions seemed obvious? You may have realized the individual was not really looking for advice on how to correct their situation, but was wanting your validation of their actions or behaviour. You may have even shared some scripture that would assist them in their decision making, but they wanted to ignore those especially if they did corroborate their choices. Sadly, we know that some want to blame others when life comes crashing down on them instead of looking at themselves to see if they have contributed to their troubles.
On the home repair program it was obvious that some families had made their purchases using the best advice available but were swindled or mislead. Instead of pointing fingers, they took time to acknowledge their errors and then sought the best assistance to move forward. Sometimes things happen in our life that we know we were not the cause. In those times, and in times where our contribution is obvious, we need to know what we are made of; how our house is built. Are Christ’s words our foundation? Have we sought to listen and follow His words?
When the unexpected or difficult occur, even if we contributed to it, do you have something to fall back on? Do you have God’s words that offer hope? Have you built your life on Jesus’ words and sought to follow them? Do you go to God in prayer asking Him to settle your mind so you can look at the issues, yourself, and your relationship with Him? Do you have a friend who will lovingly listen and offer you wisdom?
Jesus analogy of the wise person building a house on a strong foundation and us building our life on the Word seems to point out the obvious to even the untrained follower of Christ. If your life has no foundational truths you will struggle to survive. Take some time to read and reflect on these verses and then ask yourself are you are prepared to face life.
Blessings to you
Anton Topilnyckyj
MCF Prayer Coordinator