The question: Are We Wise or Foolish Builders?
“When I read the Bible, the parts that trouble me the most are not the ones I don’t understand, but the ones I do understand.” ―Mark Twain
Mark Twain 
Was Caught Between Learning and Actively Applying the Word of God.
Beloved storyteller Mark Twain rightly latched onto a very important truth. What are we doing with the Biblical knowledge we possess? Are we putting into practice or blowing it off? Jesus calls us wise if we act on what we know and, to the contrary, foolish if we don’t.
Wise Builders
Matthew 7:24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.”
Foolish Builders
Matthew 7:26 “But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.”
Lifestyle Choices are Revealing
Sandcastles are fun to create but without a solid foundation, they do not endure. We all know what happens to a house built on sand. The next high tide wipes them off the beach. The same concept holds true for our financial stability and the behaviors we choose. There must be something solid to sustain us. For me, the Bible provides that bedrock.
In Finances: Proverbs 13:11 Dishonest money dwindles away, but whoever gathers money little by little makes it grow. We are meant to earn money through honest means and to save some of our wages for future use.
In Relationships: 1 Corinthians 13:4-8a Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.
This portion of Scripture is a challenge for most of us because our closest relationships can also be our messiest ones. This is where our true colors show up. But unless we put these truths into practice, we foolishly continue to build on sand. Betrayal hurts and trust might not be restored. Yet two wrongs don’t make a right. Letting go of the record of wrongs and choosing to forgive requires a deliberate personal decision. Choose to pray and act wisely.
Wise Builders Worship the Lord
In Worship: Psalm 100:2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Romans 12:1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.
Worship goes beyond sitting in a church pew. Worship is an active practice of praise and song that begins in the heart. Sadly, it is far easier to find a stadium full of fans cheering for their favorite team than to find a crowd gathered lifting hands and voices to worship their Creator.
Let’s Be Known As Wise Builders
Can we agree with Mark Twain? That it’s what we do understand about the Bible that should trouble us most? Since it seems best to care more about what God desires from us than what culture is elevating, shouldn’t we challenge ourselves to put into practice what we do know? Let’s be the wise builders.
