The wise and foolish men
This story is called a parable it is one of many that Jesus told the people who were listening to Him, some were also told just to His disciples.
This parable teaches us that true wisdom, comes only from trusting in God. Our one and only true foundation. If we build our lives based on God’s truth alone, we can stand firm when the storms of life hit us. In our lives we will face many storms, some mild and some hurricane force. They can be things that affect us while we are at school, or in any club we may belong too. It could be with our neighbours or families. Or just everyday living. If our foundation is based on God’s word, we will be strong and able to withstand anything that is thrown at us. But if it’s built on worldly desires only, we will fail in a very big way when times are hard. Having trust in Jesus must be our firm foundation. Because His death on the cross and His resurrection gives us our only hope in being able to overcome life’s problems. The gift of the Holy Spirit will further our strength, to overcome all.
Some of the things which can bring us closer to God are:
PRAYER: Making time each day to speak to God, sharing all your fear’s and worries, and praying for others, not forgetting to giving thanks and praise.
READ THE BIBLE: Spend a set time to read God’s word, and to meditate on it.
QUITE TIMES: with God, this can be different from prayer, as we can try to just sit and enjoy His presence.
MEETING TOGETHER : It’s always good to meet with others Christians, as we can help, support and encourage each other or just cheering each other up.
LOVING JESUS : we can show this by going to church regularly and helping each other and our neighbours in their time of need. They will know we are Christians by our love.
HAVING FAITH IN GOD : This may sound obvious but not everyone has faith, some people just go through the motions of worshiping God
Now for things that can lead us away from God.
NOT SPENDING TIME WITH GOD : It’s very easy not to spend time with God, as we can be distracted be other things. Eg. Social Media, watching to much television, or playing Electrotonic games. I am sure you can think of many more things
PUTTING OFF PRAYING AND READING YOUR BIBLE : The same things can apply as in the previous one, but with other outside influences. Like doing housework, going shopping or playing with friends. These things are all part of our lives but we should not put them above time with God.
PRIDE: Thinking that you know everything, and thereby not needing God. This is very dangerous, and self centred.
NOT FORGIVING OTHERS : Jesus is very clear on this, He says in Matthew 6 verses 14-15
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
So, we must freely forgive others even when it’s not easy.
BEING GREEDY: God will provide all of our needs, so we must not try to take things that do not belong to us, or long for things which we do not need, which will lead us away from God.
WANTING TO BE POPULAR : We all like to be popular, that is part of human nature. Being popular must not come by just following the crowd. doing things to please them. Especially if it is the wrong crowd, This can be very dangerous as this may lead you into trouble. Following the right people ones, that will lead you to Jesus our light of the world.
So where are we all going to build our houses, hopefully on solid ground.
The solid ground of faith in Jesus. So, let us as the final hymn says. Seek ye first the kingdom of God.
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