“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, but it did not fall, because it had been founded on the rock. And everyone who hears these words of mine and does not do them will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.” – Matthew 7:24-27
What house are you living in? This is the question Jesus is calling us to answer at the end of His “Sermon on the Mount” (Mt. 5-7). Jesus says we only have two options: a house on the rock or a house on the sand. The first option is built upon the words of Jesus, while the second is built upon the words of the world. A house built on rock can withstand the storms that will inevitably come, but the house built on sand will fold amid the storm.
While some of you are in your offseason, there are many of you about to start your spring season. There are undoubtedly going to be storms that come your way. Whether that is slumps, playing time, or injury, we all know there are unpredictable hardships that come throughout a season. While you may have the talent, drive, or privilege to build a lovely house on the beach that seemingly takes care of you for a time, eventually, these storms will come and a house built upon your word, and the ways of this world will fall. Contrary to the “beach house,” the house built upon Jesus is stable because you place your life in His hands, following His ways, and trusting He will carry you through whatever comes.
Let’s be honest, living in your beach house will appear easier most days, but it will not withstand the storms that will come. Graciously, Jesus has provided another house to live in. A house built upon His name, His love, and His ways that will provide a life of purpose, peace, and security throughout whatever is on the horizon. When we live in the house of Jesus, the game we play becomes more about bringing Him glory and serving our teammates than about making a name for ourselves and proving people wrong.
- Prayerfully reflect: What house are you living in?
- What ways of living do you need to repent of and replace with the ways of Jesus?
- Ask God to lead you by His Holy Spirit to live a life in His house.