Obedience is not optional. Though we are saved by grace, we need to allow the Holy Spirit to work in us so that we obey God in all aspects of our life.

Obedience to Christ is the very foundation of Christian life. A life without obedience may appear good but it is like a building built on sand. Obedience is the strong foundation which makes the construction above durable. It will stand to test of time and trial. The negative example of the houses drives home this point very clearly.

The house represents our lives. We are exhorted to pause and ask ourselves whether we are building on the solid foundation of obedience to Jesus or whether we are building it on the sand of empty profession and hypocritical appearance of piety.

Storms are inevitable. The flood represents the trials of life and future judgment. Matthew gives importance to future judgment whereas Luke refers to the trials in life. The person who has built his life in obedience to Christ has a solid foundation to carry him through the floods of life or future judgment. But the person who professes to know Christ without the required obedience will not stand and will be ruined.

There are several floods that we have to face-disappointments, sickness of the loved one, loss of a job, rejection by our loved ones, loss of health due to old age, sudden illness and debilitating weakness. Temptations also come upon us like un-announced flood. If we make obedience our habit, taking every thought captive to Him, forsaking sins, we are not building on sand. Obedience is not optional because those who obey do not face sudden destruction.

Disobedience is easier just like building the house on sand. It is not time consuming and energy draining like digging a foundation on a stony place. Obedience to God and waiting for His will to operate in life is time consuming.

Obedience is possible only when there is an intimate relationship. We can obey Christ only when we are intimate with Him and love Him. If we build our life on such a relationship with Christ, nothing in this world can destroy our life and steal our happiness. Sickness, failure, rejection by others and financial crunch can never devastate or destroy our life.

If on the other hand we try to build our life to impress others without a deep relationship with Christ, any small trial can wreck our life. To such people comes the question. “Why do you call me, ‘Lord Lord and do not what I say?

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh