Wise builders start with a solid foundation. If the substructure is faulty, what’s above will eventually crumble. Jesus said not everyone who says “Lord, Lord” shall enter the Kingdom. Consider His words:

“Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” – Matthew 7:22-23 NKJV

He goes on to connect that statement (“Therefore” in v. 24) to the picture of wise and foolish builders (v.24-27). He said the wise builder is the one who hears AND does. He’s the one who takes the words, and wisely establishes a foundation deep down on the rock. However, the foolish builder rushes out and constructs something that looks good, but lacks foundational integrity. When the wind and rain come, both structures are tested and only the one built on the rock survives.

Following Christ isn’t about being able to speak and use His name, it’s about what’s underneath. It’s about knowing Him and Him knowing us. Is your faith anchored firmly to the Rock? Hopefully it is. And if so, what will hearing AND doing look like today?