“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.” Luke 6.46-49
Jesus offers us two options. From the very beginning, God has presented His people with similar choices. Some argue that we have no real choice—or that if we do, we are predestined to make one particular decision. I believe God genuinely enables us to choose Him or to reject Him.
In the nativity story, the wise men, the shepherds, Mary, and Joseph all chose to obey the message God sent through the angels. They traveled great distances and interrupted their daily lives and work to participate in God’s plan to save and redeem humanity. In stark contrast stands Herod, who did everything in his power to prevent the birth of the Messiah and the coming of the new King. Two radically different responses—yet only one outcome: God’s will is accomplished no matter what.
The person who hears God’s word and obeys is like a wise builder who constructs a house on solid rock; it stands firm when the storms come. The person who goes their own way is like a foolish builder who erects a house on sand, or with no foundation at all. It collapses when the storms arrive. God enables us to be for Him or against Him.
This Christmas—and every day, for that matter—presents us with the same decision: will we follow God, or will we give in to our own desires? Following God leads to life. Yes, it may require sacrifices today as we pursue holiness and obedience, but the long-term result is eternal reward. Following our own desires leaves us without a foundation, and our lives are ultimately lived in vain.
Foundations matter, especially at Christmas. On whom is our focus fixed? Whom do we worship? From where do we draw our joy, our salvation, and our hope?
“O Lord God, You are good. Even when I wander far away, You draw me closer. Come now, Holy Spirit; renew my body, mind, and spirit. Help me find my strength in You, that I might glorify Your name all the days of my life. For You are good, and Your love endures forever.” Amen.