A New Month, A Fresh Reminder
The Christian Professional Journal is here to offer faith-based insights and encouragement to help you navigate work and life with purpose. Together, we’ll explore how to keep Faith First, Excellence Always, as we grow and walk boldly in God’s calling.
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall” (Matthew 7:24–27).
A New Month, A Fresh Reminder
There’s something about starting a new month that makes us pause. We think about what’s behind us, and we wonder what lies ahead. For many of us, the changing calendar brings both gratitude and uncertainty.
It’s good to have peace of mind about the security of your physical house, knowing the foundation is steady, the walls are strong, the roof can withstand the storm. But it’s even more important to be certain about your spiritual house and the storms that may come against your soul.
That’s exactly what Jesus speaks about as He concludes the Sermon on the Mount. He gives us two pictures: two houses, two foundations, two builders, two outcomes. He shows us that you can either build your house on the Rock or on the sand. One will stand, the other will fall and the difference is everything.
The Storms Will Come
One thing we notice right away in this passage: both houses face storms.
Verse 25 says of the house on the rock: “The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house.”
Verse 27 says of the house on the sand: “The rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house.”
The storms were the same. The rains, floods, and winds came to both.
This means that becoming a Christian does not make us immune to hardship. It is not, “Invite Jesus into your heart and everything will be smooth sailing.” If anything, Scripture prepares us for the opposite: “All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). As a Christian, you will still face sickness, conflict, financial struggles, grief, or betrayal.
The storms of life are common to us all. The difference is not whether you face storms, but whether your house stands or falls when the storm comes.
The Rock and the Sand
So what does it mean to build on the Rock? Many people think it means simply declaring, “Jesus is my Rock.” That’s a beautiful confession but that’s not what Jesus meant here.
Jesus tells us plainly: the one who builds on the Rock is the one who hears His words and does them. The one who builds on the sand is the one who hears His words but does not act on them.
That’s the difference: doing or not doing.
Both builders heard His words. Both may have sat in the crowd on the mountain, both may have nodded along to His teaching. The difference wasn’t hearing—it was obeying.
James echoes this: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:22). The danger is that we can deceive ourselves into thinking that because we hear the Word, we’re safe. But hearing is not enough. It must shape our lives.
What Obedience Looks Like
Think about Matthew, sitting in his tax office when Jesus said, “Follow Me.” He could have said, “Yes, Lord, You are my Rock,” and stayed at his desk. But obedience meant standing up and following Him.
Think about the disciples when Jesus told them to take the loaves and fishes to the crowd. They could have said, “Yes, Lord, You are powerful,” and done nothing. But obedience meant carrying baskets of bread into the crowd.
For us today, Jesus is not physically present to speak commands aloud, but He has given us His Word. Building on the Rock means reading, hearing, and doing what His Word says.
The Danger of Sand
Sand can look stable when the weather is calm. A house on the sand can look impressive on the outside, even identical to the house on the Rock. But when storms hit, appearances crumble.
Building on sand looks like:
Hearing sermons but never applying them.
Reading the Bible without repentance.
Claiming Christ as Lord but ignoring His commands.
Rooting identity in success, approval, or possessions.
Herod, the king who arrested John the Baptist, is an example. Mark 6:20 tells us that Herod “used to enjoy listening to him.” This wicked man enjoyed sermons! But he never obeyed, and his life ended in ruin.
How to Build on the Rock
So how do we build wisely?
Immerse yourself in the Word. Read and listen regularly, not to check a box but to hear the living voice of God. Like Samuel, come to Scripture saying, “Speak, Lord, for Your servant is listening” (1 Samuel 3:9).
Do what it says. Don’t stop at inspiration. Forgive, pray, reconcile, give, fast, serve — whatever the Word calls you to, act on it.
Examine your foundation. Where have you trusted in sand? Where do you need to dig deeper into obedience?
Prepare before the storm. You can’t start building when the floodwaters rise. Lay your foundation now, while there is time.
Reflection Questions
Where in my life am I hearing but not obeying?
What part of my “house” is vulnerable because I’ve built on sand?
What is one specific command of Jesus I can practice this week?
If a storm hit tomorrow, what would stand, and what would fall?
A Resource for Building Wisely
My book “Sin the Great Joker” points to Christ as the true Rock. If you sense God calling you to examine your foundation and strengthen your faith, this book can serve as a great resource. Gift yourself a copy. Click here.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Teach us to build wisely and to live out your Word. When storms come, may our lives stand firm as a testimony of Your faithfulness. Establish the work of our hands so that all we do rests on the unshakable foundation of Your Son, Jesus Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Grace and peace be yours in abundance.
Help Spread the Word
Share with Friends, give the Gift of Faith and if you loved the book, please consider giving it a heartfelt and thoughtful review. Your feedback helps others discover the book and its message of hope and faith. www.sinthegreatjoker.com
Praying His peace and blessings abound in your life.
