If you have spent any time in Sunday School, Children’s Church or Vacation Bible School, you have probably heard the parable of the wise man and the foolish man. But it is more than just a story, it begs the question, which one are you?
The story is found in Matthew 7:24-27. In the story, the wise man built his house upon a solid rock foundation. When the storms came, the house stood strong. The foolish man however, built his house upon the shifting sands. When the storms came, the house fell with a great crash.
Notice that both of the men built houses. Both of the men presumably lived in their house. The houses probably looked pretty much the same. It is even possible that foolish man’s house looked even better. After all, he probably did not spend as much money on his foundation, or land, so he had more money to put into the cosmetics. When the storms came however – and they always do – the foolish man lost everything.
Jesus explains that the metaphorical foundation is His teachings. He explained that it is not enough to just know them, you must also put them into practice. Those who do not listen and practice are like the foolish man setting up for a great crash.
Today there are many who practice “Imaginative Theology.” This is what I call an understanding of God that stems from our own imaginations rather than the Word of God.
How much has your perception of things changed from the time you were a child until now? When we think back, we had all kinds of crazy ideas about how things worked and the nature of the Universe. We needed adults to guide us, teach us and keep us safe from our imaginations. In God’s realm, we are still children and have crazy ideas that will lead us into dangerous situations if we don’t use our guide book. That very book says, “There is a way that seems right to man, but it’s end is the way to death” (Proverbs 14:12)
Please do not build your understanding of God on your own imagination or the crazy musings of others. (even if they are on TV 😉 ) That is like building your house upon the sand and it will all come crashing down.
I encourage you to seek out the truths of God’s Word and to follow them with all your heart. When the storms of life pass over, your house will still be standing, and I will be celebrating with you!
Shalom!