Build a House on Rock or Sand, Holy Bible, Lesson, New Testament, Integrity, Matthew, Jesus, Christ, Christian

How to have integrity

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Integrity is a word often used but what is it and how do we achieve it? This lesson from the New Testament is about doing the right thing when nobody's watching.

Matthew 7:21-29

Jesus Talks about Those Who Build Houses on Rock and Sand

7:21 "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is is in heaven.

22 Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?'
23 Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me you evildoers!'
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. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.
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. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew against that house, and it fell with a great crash.'

28 When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, 29 because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law."

This is the Word of the Lord ... It is meant to change the way that we think, and the way that we live.

Commentary by Bob Pardue

What Jesus says about building houses on rock and sand

Some self-professed athletes can 'talk' a great game, but that tells you nothing about their athletic skills.

No matter how hard you try, you cannot "talk" a touchdown or a basketball goal no matter how easy it seems.

Just as a person who talks constantly about sports is not necessarily an athlete, not everyone who talks about heaven belongs to God's kingdom.

Christ is more concerned about our walk than our talk.

He wants us to do right, not just say the right words.

Your house (which represents your life, 7:24) will withstand the storms of life only if you do what is right instead of just talking about it.

What you do cannot be separated from what you believe.

In fact, there is an old saying; "What you do speaks so loudly I can't hear a word you are saying." This is as true in a Christian lifestyle as it is in other walks of life.

Jesus exposed those people who sounded religious but had no personal relationship with him.

On 'that day' (the day of judgment), only our relationship with Christ -- our acceptance of him as Savior and our obedience to him -- will matter.

Jesus speaks with authority because he is God in flesh. I only hope that when my judgment comes I can hear the words "good and faithful servant" and not "I never knew you."

If this is all new to you, don't worry. I have been there and still struggle with faith just as you do. Faith is sometimes difficult because you can't see, touch or hear it. We are taught to believe what our senses tells us is true so faith seems unreal at times.

One thought in closing, if it bothers you that your faith is not always strong, you are on the right track. d:-)

Love in Christ

- Bob

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