Following The Master Builder's Plan

The construction project we see recorded in Matthew 7:24-29, applies to the lifelong process of building godly character. There are more detailed instructions provided in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7).

The following are just a few of them:

• Not retaliating in kind (Matthew 5:38-39; cf. Romans 12:17-21)
• Going the extra mile (Matthew 5:41; cf. Matthew 27:32).
• Blessing those who curse us (Matthew 5:44; cf. Romans 12:14).
• Treating others as we would want them to treat us (Matthew 7:12; cf. Genesis 50:14-21).

As we put Jesus’ instructions into practice, we immediately face the challenge of building. No sooner do we seek to obey, than we see our need for the help of someone who is wiser and stronger than we are (Jeremiah 10:23; Proverbs 3:5-10).

As our Master Builder (Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 3:4,6), Jesus lived a perfect life and died on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins. When we follow and complete His building plan without alteration (Revelation 2:10; Gal. 1:6-10), we will receive a heavenly mansion that far exceeds any building on earth (John 14:1-4; cf. 1 Peter 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 4:6-8).

Only He is capable of helping us build a spiritual house that is strong enough to withstand the storms of life (Ephesians 2:18-22; 1 Peter 2:5-9).

—Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets