Rock or Sand

On my daily work commute, I pass by the entrance to a really nice neighborhood that’s nestled along the hilly shoreline of Beaver Lake.  Their streets have these cool, old-fashioned-looking light-posts reminiscent of a city downtown from the 1920s. One recent morning, I noticed the entrance light post had toppled and was lying on the ground, with sections of it now broken. We’ve had recent heavy rains and high winds likely causing its foundation to no longer maintain the support necessary to keep the structure securely in place. It’s still in that condition as they identify someone who can repair and return it to its original position providing a welcoming light to the entry.

In Matthew 7, Jesus concludes his Sermon on the Mount with the parable of the wise and foolish men and their decision on where to build their homes. Rock guy…his house stood. Sand man, his fell and great was its fall. Both these men heard the same teaching and only Rock Guy OBEYED the teaching. The consequences were disastrous for Sand Man.

Jesus has challenging words around obedience. John 14:23 – “If anyone loves me, they will obey my teaching.”  It’s not enough to just know what his word says, we need to do it!

Obedience is a sign of love, demonstration of faith, and a pathway to blessing.

I’m about ready to head to church this morning and will once again pass that toppled light. I anticipate soon it will be restored and firmly secured in a new, strong foundation…like the one we have in our Heavenly Father.