Disciples Build On What They Hear
by David Smith
"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."
"When Jesus had finished saying these things, the crowds were amazed at his teaching, because he taught as one who had authority, and not as their teachers of the law." (Matthew 7:24-29 TNIV)It has been a big hit, hasn't it? The TV commercial where the guy with the cell phone is walking around and stops every few feet to ask, "Can you hear me now?" Pausing briefly and expectantly for a reply, he then smiles a smile of satisfaction and we hear him respond with a heartfelt, "Good!" As he travels the globe and finds himself in every imaginable situation, the question, reply and response remain the same.
Nothing else need be said. We get the point. This cell service claims to be ever accessible, consistently reliable and clear. Whenever and wherever you use it, it works.
Hear this. It's one thing to claim to pay attention to Jesus. To hear what he says and apparently smile in agreement with him. But it's entirely another to honestly hear him and then go on and truly follow him. The difference, so says God's own Son, is the difference between being wise and foolish.
"...everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man... everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man..."There's a big difference between hearing and doing, but disciples do both. For disciples are careful to work out in their lives what they've allowed Jesus to put in their head. They walk the talk.
People who claim to be Christians are a dime a dozen, but disciples are priceless. Churches are full of the former; the latter are rare. The difference between them is the difference between hearing and doing. True disciples of Jesus Christ do both.
So what about you? Are you a disciple in deed or are you just a Christian in claim? Are you hearing what Jesus is calling you to become and are you actively straining every ounce of your soul to become just that? Are your ways, and not just your ears, accessible to him? Are you being clear about being a Christian or are your ways still static?
Hear this -- whenever and wherever you put Jesus' words in action, they work.
Can you hear him now?
Good!
Posted: 06/03/2003
URL: http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200306/20030603_hear.htmlCopyright (c) 2003, David Smith. Used by permission. Comments, questions & requests to be added to the e-mailing list for the Online Devotional may be sent to <david@yourchurchcangrow.com>.
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