Putting Words to Practice

Putting Words to Practice
By: Anna Williams

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” -Matthew 7:24-27 NIV

Would you pay for a haircut from a barber with overgrown, disheveled hair? Or buy a mop at the home party of a Norwex consultant with a filthy house? Of course not! It doesn't matter how informed that person sounds or how well they try to spin their sales pitch, they clearly aren’t applying their knowledge. They aren’t putting into practice what they know.

I think sometimes unbelievers look at church-folk and draw similar conclusions. It’s not a new issue – Jesus often rebuked the Pharisees and other religious leaders for it. (Matt 23:26). Not only do we hurt our reputation as children of God when we fail to live as we are called; but it endangers our own hearts as well. We can quickly become overwhelmed by the troubles of this world (like flood waters swirling around us) and we can lose our way because we’re not properly grounded in the Word. 

God’s Word is relevant, living and written for you today. There is instruction, guidance, comfort, and encouragement for whatever you’re facing. Be cautious about reading without taking time to absorb and process. Make sure that you are intentionally setting aside time to regularly read the Word and then most importantly, put it into practice. You can do it because as a believer you have access to the power of the Holy Spirit!