Sunday, October 15, 2017

When Listening is Not Enough

Luke 6:46-49 (NRSV): When Listening is Not Enough
[Jesus said,] “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I tell you? I will show you what someone is like who comes to me, hears my words, and acts on them. That one is like a man building a house, who dug deeply and laid the foundation on rock; when a flood arose, the river burst against that house but could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.”
Some proclaim Jesus as Lord but do not act on His teachings. It is an easy thing to do. We can profess ourselves as followers of Christ, but when it comes time to love -- that which Jesus says is our identifier in the world -- we gossip, judge, and ostracize. But Jesus calls us to something much greater than the habits of sin. He calls us to Himself, to follow His way, and to build the foundation of our character on Him.
To illustrate true faith, a faith that is lived out in Christian love, Jesus presents the parable of a house builder. The builder who digs deeply and constructs his house on a foundation of solid rock -- Jesus and His teachings -- builds a house that is unshakable against the floods of hardship. But Jesus warns His would-be followers who live lives of inaction:
But the one who hears and does not act is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the river burst against it, immediately it fell, and great was the ruin of that house.
Being a Christian means putting Jesus at the center, heart, and foundation of our lives. More than this, however, Jesus calls us to not only listen but act. For disciples are agents of loving action in the world. Our discipleship is to follow the way of the Master, the way of love and mercy toward all people.
Heavenly Father, please give us the grace to place Your Son at the foundation of our lives. In doing this, strengthen us to become agents of Christ’s love in the world. We ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.  
Have a blessed week!

Stan

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