DAYFOUR

Luke 6:46-49

“So why do you keep calling me ‘Lord, Lord!’ when you don’t do what I say? I will show you what it’s like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, and then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well built. But anyone who hears and doesn’t obey is like a person who builds a house right on the ground, without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins.”

Building Our Lives
You don’t have to know much about construction to know that without a firm foundation your structure is not likely to withstand the elements. The same is true of our lives. We are not promised that because we follow Jesus hardship will never come, but rather than when the floodwaters rise we will be able to withstand the hardship because we have built our lives well. But it’s not just about knowing the right things – in verse 47 Jesus says that the wise builder is the one who comes to him, listens to his teachings, and then puts it into practice.

Following Jesus is not just about receiving eternal life; it’s about having a better life. It’s building our relationships, careers, family, and our finances on what will last, on what will endure. Think of the presents you received 5 years ago for your birthday? My guess is at best you can only remember 1, but you probably don’t remember any. That’s because we have a tendency to obsess on short-term things that don’t bring lasting value. What Jesus is teaching us is to how to build our lives into something that lasts by building them on someone who is eternal, Jesus.

Questions:
In what ways have you relied too much on knowledge rather than right action in your forming relationship with Jesus?
How do you respond to the idea that when hardships come we can withstand them if we have built our lives on a solid foundation?
What is one thing you can do today to strengthen the foundation of your life?

Prayer:
Lord, as I come to know you more help me to put that knowledge into practice. Help me to build my life well, upon your teaching, instruction, and ways. Help me to build a life that will stand, no matter what hardships come my way.

Story

I took the Forward Class not really knowing what it was all about. (Actually, I snuck into it as my sister’s guest!) Out of the 3 classes, Session 2 solidified my decision to become a member of BCN. Learning the history of the church and how God has worked through it over the past 65 years to bless the Beavercreek community is inspiring. Through their many outreach programs and volunteer opportunities the church makes it simple to be a blessing to others. This class helped me figure out where I fit, in the BCN puzzle. – Denise

Learn more about Forward at behope.church/forward.