City Life Starter

Written by Nate Warren

The Word

24 “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: 25 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.

26 “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: 27 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

Reflection

The Two Foundations parable is the final of Jesus’ teachings in the famous “Sermon on the Mount” setting (Matthew 5-7). The most phenomenal man that’s ever lived is delivering His magnum opus, and this parable is the finale. The message is clear: Do it and you’ll be indestructible. Don’t do it, and the coming storms will destroy you. 

Application

Are you making it an intentional practice to actually do the things Jesus teaches? Do you bless those who curse you? Do you keep charitable acts a secret? Have you stopped worrying? Jesus plainly teaches that we should do these things.

If you are anything like me in these areas, the ground under your feet is feeling rather shifty. I think it is time for us to put it into action. What better time than a new year to begin? Will you join me to practice doing the teachings of Jesus?

Let’s start here: Choose one of the directives of Jesus from Matthew 5-7 and put it into action. I suggest, “Bless those who curse you.” This week, take a minute each morning by imagining a person you know criticizing, insulting, or being rude to you. Then, imagine yourself responding with an appropriate acknowledgement, along with a compliment, a smile, or apology. Bless the person that curses you. When the real opportunities come, carry out what you practiced. At the end of your day, reflect on how you did. If you did poorly in the moment, then you can bless them in prayer right then, and start new in the morning.

This is an example of a plan for practicing what Jesus has commanded. You can similarly create plans to practice His other teachings, taking the teachings into your thoughtless habits.

A few notes: 

• Failure here is not condemnation. God has redeemed you. You are not the failure. Acknowledge what you are wrong about and keep going.
• Kingdom living and its practices are a team sport. This is the purpose of the Church–to “do all [Jesus] has commanded.” It’s wise to find a small group of believers to encourage and challenge one another toward this common effort.
• Even when you are alone, you are not alone. The Holy Spirit is beside you in your effort, and will speak to you and give you power to do the best thing in any situation.

Prayer

Father,
Let Your Kingdom be born in us this year, 
by our attention and obedience to your commands,
with the power of the Holy Spirit,  
so that we will be indestructible,
for the Glory of our Lord Jesus,
Amen