A Life That Works

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.” Matthew 7:24-27

The parts of the new bicycle laid scattered, roughly forming a small circle. At its center sat a determined fourteen-year-old, frantically trying to assemble the pieces into some recognizable form. Hours had passed since removing the various parts from the carton. Looking over his shoulder, the boy sees his dad watching. Fighting tears of frustration, he hangs his head and acknowledges his failure to listen to the advice of his father.

The new bicycle had come with precise instructions. Together, he and his dad had reviewed them and agreed that he could try the assembly on his own. But in the excitement of the moment, the instructions were cast aside, and the boy’s own determination had taken over. The result was obvious - chaos.

The Bible is our instruction guide to every area of life. Tossing it aside is disastrous. Jesus tells us if we hear His words and apply them to our lives then we will gain wisdom - God’s wisdom (Matt. 7:24). Not only that, but the foundation of our lives will be solid as if it were anchored to a rock because it is founded in the Word of God.

A life that listens to God and follows His instructions is a life that works. It is a life that endures trials with each piece assembled according to God’s specifications. When in doubt, read the instructions.