Do What It Says!
By Susan Klein
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house: yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27
Two hearing men, two houses, two foundations, two very different outcomes! Jesus’ parable at the end of His “Sermon on the Mount” served to emphasize the importance of the words he had just spoken. Those who listen to His message and put it into practice will survive the storms of life that come crashing on their doors. Those who listen only, and do not do what He says will not have a firm foundation and may not survive the storm!By Susan Klein
“Therefore, everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house: yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Matthew 7:24-27
James makes a similar point when he says that anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who studies his face in the mirror, then goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. (James1:22-24) Have you ever studied a passage of Scripture, only to close your Bible and completely forget what you studied?
Why do you read your Bible? Is it to gain knowledge or wisdom? Is it so you can have thought-provoking conversations with other believers? Perhaps it’s because you teach a Sunday school class or Bible study. Maybe you want to take the challenge of reading through the Bible in a year. While these are all commendable reasons to spend time in God’s Word, Jesus made it very clear that our main goal should be to do what it says! Practical application of God’s Word is key to living the righteous life that He desires and aids us in standing firm during trials, which are guaranteed to come! Just reading alone won’t cut it!
King Solomon, though a very wise man, did not always put to practice what he preached. He knew the truth in his head, yet chose to walk the way of the world, believing that knowledge would suffice. Unfortunately, his foundation and his empire eventually crumbled.
Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you walking the walk or just talking the talk? Is there someone you trust with whom you could share what God’s leading you to obey?
2. How might you better apply God’s Word to your daily life?
FURTHER READING:
Matthew 13:1-23
Susan is our Tuesday Morning Women’s Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She is also involved in youth outreach ministry.
