Scripture (NRSV): Matthew 7:24–25
“Everyone then who hears these words of mine and acts on them will be like a wise man who built his house on rock.”
Reflection:
Jesus ends his most famous teaching with an image of building. Not inspiration. Not emotion. Building. Two people build houses. Both hear his words. Both face storms. The difference isn’t sincerity. It’s the foundation.
We often think the difference between a strong life and a fragile one is intelligence or passion. Jesus says it’s practice. It’s what we do with what we hear. Faith that stays abstract may feel convincing in calm times, but storms quickly reveal its true nature. When conflict arises, when loss hits hard, when anxiety floods in — what we have been quietly building beneath the surface becomes clear.
Foundations are rarely glamorous. Nobody applauds a poured slab of concrete. Yet, without it, everything else collapses. Similarly, a life built on grace, mercy, truth-telling, generosity, courage, and humility may seem ordinary day to day. But when storms arise — and they will — that quiet foundation sustains you.
This series has asked what faith looks like when it shows up. Today we ask: What are you building on? Not what you say you believe. Not what you hope is true. But what your habits, reflexes, and relationships show you trust most.
A faith worth practicing isn’t created in just one emotional moment. It’s developed through consistent alignment with love.
Application:
Identify one essential practice you’ve overlooked and recommit to it today.
Writing Prompt:
What values are truly supporting your life right now?
Prayer:
God of steady ground,
Help me build on what endures.
When storms come, let love be my foundation.
Amen.