REFLECTION FOR THE WEEK

“Do what He says” – Matthew 7:24
When we think of something solid and reliable, a rock is probably one of the first thing that comes into our mind.
And, for buildings the foundation is the most important part of the building, because the entire structure sits on the foundation. An Architect can plan and design the most sophisticated and beautiful building, but if it is not built and constructed on something solid, then one day the winds will come and blow it down. Every building must sit on or be attached to something solid, in order for it to stand a good chance of withstanding the worst storm.
In recent times some countries of our world were battered by hurricanes. And, what I noticed were some buildings completely swept away, some partially destroyed, whilst others next to them or nearby, still standing.
As human beings and Christians, if we want to remain standing, in the midst of challenges and storms of lives, we need something solid and reliable on which to build our lives on. We need values that will not betray us. Jesus says, “Everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock” – Matthew 7:24.
So, God provides a rocklike foundation for our lives. However, it is not enough to listen to it; we have to do it. If we build our lives on God’s words, then we are building them on solid rock. I therefore urge you to build your house, your lives on the rock and that means you must be a hearing, responding disciple, not a phony or superficial one. Let your practice of obedience become the solid foundation that will help you weather the storms of life.
James Chapter 1 verses 22-25 reminds thus; “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror, and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.”
Again, it is important to listen to what God’s Word says, but it is much more important to obey it, to do what it says. For example, we can measure the effectiveness of our Bible Study time by the effect it has on our behaviour and attitudes.
Beloved, Jesus is more concerned about your walk than your talk. He wants you and me to do the right thing and not just say the right words. What you do must not be separated from what you believe. And, let me say this, there is no surer source of hope than the words of Jesus.
The truth of the matter is that human experiences are rooted in appearances, and that can change from day to day. However, the words of Jesus do not change or pass away. “Heaven and earth will pass away, Jesus said in Matthew Chapter 24 verse 35, but my words will never pass away.”
It is only God and his words that will provide us with stability in this our unstable world. The truth of His words will never be changed or abolished. So, don’t spend your time learning about this temporary world and accumulating its possessions, while neglecting the Bible and it’s eternal truths.
Today we live in a world, where there are other voices, which directly or indirectly, tell us to build our lives on very different values. Values that tells you to be ambitious. This means that you will sometimes throw your weight around and as you do, you will hurt people. But don’t let that rob you of any sleep. You only get to know the people that matter and do not concede an inch to your opponents. Try to project the image of a successful person, even when things are far from well. Do not let religion rob you of a single one of your comforts and pleasures, or interfere in the slightest way with your standard of living. So, my sisters and brothers, worldly values tells you that these and others are the pillars you should build your lives on.
But, Jesus says NO. He says the most important thing about you and me is our capacity for goodness. It is to be a person of integrity, and to live rightly. As you raise your status and advance your career, then you must raise yourself and work at your character. What does it matter if you are always in the limelight but your soul is in darkness. What does it matter if your bank account is bulging but your heart is empty.
I challenge you to hold on firmly to your beliefs and values. Without your beliefs in God and convictions, you are like a ship without a port of destination.
To avoid building on sand, act on the words of Christ and live them.
I pray that when you and your household walk through the waters, you will not sink beneath the waves. When fire is burning all around you, you will not be consumed by the flames, in the name of Jesus.

Have a peaceful weekend.

With blessings,
Venerable Prebendary Tunde Roberts