LIVING WORD DEVOTIONAL
By Pastor Mensa Otabil
Friday 23rd May 2025
BUILD WITH WISDOM
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:24-29
“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. Matthew 7:24-25
Note that this parable is about the basic foundations we build on and not the materials we build. The parable assumes that both builders had access to the same building materials, and both builders faced the same environmental attacks. The difference is in what they built on – their foundation.
In the days of Jesus, the region He lived in was prone to flash floods after rains. What kept buildings during these floods was the foundation on which the house was built. It was therefore important to choose rightly what to build on, as it would determine whether your house would outlast the floods. The first of the two builders mentioned is the Wise Builder.
The Wise Builder built on the rock. His choice of foundation is instructive and teaches us several lessons. A Wise Builder:
Digs deeper beyond the surface. A wise man is a digger. He digs for deeper truth. He explores deeper principles. He does not rest until he has found an eternal truth to build on. He takes time to build with the future in mind. He focuses on what He intends to become and pays the price to go beyond the surface.
Builds on enduring foundations. A wise man builds on principles that go deeper than what is fashionable and popular. They focus on values, ideas, concepts and disciplines that are enduring and often depart from popular culture. Popular does not always mean right. Our anchors must be firm and deep enough to keep us from conforming to trends just because they are in vogue.
Builds for long-term success. The wise man anticipates the effect of the environment and time on what he or she does. They do not build on popular notions without thinking about how they will stand when buffeted by the storms of life and time. Ensure that your fundamentals are right, for what you’re building to be able to withstand adversity.
Your faith will be buffeted; your choices will be buffeted. What will happen after the storm hits? Be like the Wise Builder – strive to find rock and then build on it.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, your word is my rock and foundation. Help me to dig deep to build against every storm. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
