Stormy Weather. Sturdy House?

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” — Matthew 7:24-27

In this text, we find the conclusion of a discourse known as the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus had been teaching the multitude on a wide range of subjects – from wealth and anxiety, to prayer and salvation.  He even touched on the subjects of lust, adultery, divorce and remarriage.  Now, consider the imagery of His summation: two buildings, only distinct in the type of foundation upon which each was built; both subjected to the same severe rains, winds, and floods; one endured and the other suffered a catastrophic collapse.  What a vivid picture!

Of course the question here is, “which kind of builder are you?”  For the house that is your marriage, have you been building on rock, by remembering the Biblical truths you’ve learned and putting them into practice?  Adversities and challenges are unavoidable, but they should not lead to the destruction of your marital union.

Perhaps you’ve been building on sand — having heard truth, but persisting in believing the lies that your personal happiness is an entitlement, and that your spouse owes it to you to meet your needs to your satisfaction.  With that kind of mindset, it’s no wonder that conflicts and disappointments can eventually destroy a marriage.

Yet it’s never too late to begin transitioning to a secure foundation.  Absolutely, attended the marriage retreat! By all means, learn Biblical truth through your local church!  Then become intentional in adopting the attitudes and actions that you have been taught from God’s Word.