If you’ve ever built IKEA furniture without the instructions, you know the frustration of wobbly tables and leftover screws. Instructions matter. Jesus uses a similar illustration in Matthew 7:24-29 to explain why our foundation matters—not for furniture, but for life.
Wise and Foolish Builders
Jesus describes two builders. One listens to His words and puts them into practice, like someone building on solid rock. When storms come, that house stands firm. The other hears His words but ignores them, building instead on sand. When storms hit, it collapses with a crash.
The truth is simple: life will bring storms—illness, loss, financial stress, relational tension. The foundation you build on will determine whether you stand or fall.
Step 1: Know the Instructions
God has given us clear instructions in His Word. But let’s be honest—sometimes we treat Scripture like background noise, skimming a verse here and there without really studying it. To build on solid rock, we need to dig deep. That means reading, memorizing, and meditating on God’s Word. It means recognizing the lies culture throws at us and replacing them with truth.
Step 2: Follow the Instructions
It’s not enough to know Scripture; we have to live it out. James warns us that hearing the Word without doing it is self-deception. Imagine looking in the mirror, then walking away and forgetting what you look like—that’s what it’s like to read the Bible but ignore it.
Obedience isn’t easy, but we’re not left on our own. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out God’s commands. And we don’t have to do it alone—Christian community can encourage us and hold us accountable to act on what we learn.
Step 3: Trust the Instructor
The crowds listening to Jesus were amazed at His teaching, not just because He was wise but because He spoke with divine authority. Jesus isn’t simply a great teacher; He is God. His commands aren’t about controlling us—they’re about guiding us into the life He designed.
When storms come (and they will), your foundation matters. Just like Houston homes weathering hurricanes, only those built on solid rock can withstand the pressure. If your life is built on hearing and obeying God’s Word, you will stand firm.
Living It Out
Every day you are building something. The question is: what foundation are you choosing? Sand or rock? Shaky self-reliance or unshakable faith in Christ?
Jesus offers you a foundation that will never fail. Choose to trust Him, follow His Word, and live it out—and your life will stand strong through every storm.