Jesus told stories and parables to illustrate His teaching

At church on Sunday, Pastor Crystal preached on the parable of the Wise and Foolish Builders.

“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock.

When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” (Luke 6:46–49 NIV)

The minister’s teaching was timely as my husband and I have been looking to move.

We’ve been to see a few homes and can attest to the importance in discerning the difference between a well-built home and a house that just looks nice.

In Jesus’ parable, each house represents a life. Both builders set out to build good houses and on the outside each house looks the same. The difference between the two houses is not visible to a casual observer as you can’t tell from the outside what the foundation is.

The minister then asked, “Where is your foundation?”

I automatically thought of my upbringing. My parents raised me in the Catholic faith. I attended Separate School and went to Mass every Sunday. These early teachings formed the fundamental truths that are now foundational to my faith. I wrote about this in my book, East City Girl: A memoir of growing up Catholic in a small town.

In Jesus’ parable, He warns about those people who only listen to what God says but don’t obey Him. The lack of their foundation is exposed when they face challenges and temptations.

Both builders face the same storms. Trials and difficulties are inevitable. It’s a broken world. Faith can fade under the weight of suffering. Problems and discouragement can become the loud voice.

Foolish builder

The foolish man has no patience and never establishes a firm foundation of faith. He may hear and agree with the Word but he’s not willing to do the hard work and take the time to apply it.

Wise builder

The wise man takes God’s truth and lives it out in his life. When trials and temptations bang at his door the house stands.

The difference between the foolish and wise builders is obedience.

The minister compared it to getting a gym membership. This comparison resonated with me as a former personal trainer. She asked us to imagine signing up for a membership at a gym, buying the services of a personal trainer, and then meeting weekly and writing down everything. But after the session never working out. Then we wonder why we’re gaining weight and getting weaker.

It’s not just about showing up.

Following Jesus is allowing His words to penetrate your heart and mind and then your action. You need to apply the teaching of Jesus to your every day life. The key is obedience and obedience is rooted in relationship.

You need to:

• Bless those who persecute you.
• Forgive others.
• Pray for your enemies.
• Love your neighbour as yourself.
• Etcetera…Read your Bible to find out all the teachings of Jesus

Others will see in your actions how you love Jesus before they hear your words. The wise person has a heart for the things of God and yields to God’s justice.

In story, we learn valuable lessons. Jesus told stories and parables to illustrate His teaching.

Be like the wise man and build afoundation of faith by devoting yourself to the Word and building a relationship with God through obedience.