“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)
An IMDb article entitled, “Didn’t make forty, died too young,” tells the story of ninety-five actors and actresses whose lives were cut short in their pursuit of success and fame. The list includes such celebrities as River Phoenix, Heath Ledger, Jonathan Brandis, Brad Renfro, Megan Connolly, Justin Pierce, Glenn Quinn, Chris Farley, and John Belushi. Most of those listed died from drug overdoses and suicide. Some were murdered.
Many other celebrities, such as recording artists Kurt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and Jim Morrison, could be added to the list. The number of athletes who destroyed their lives at an early age could also fill such a list. These celebrities were icons of our popular culture. They had achieved fame and worldly success. But for most of them fame and success proved more than they could handle – or it simply failed to satisfy.
Every one of these fallen celebrities had something else in common. God was not a part of their lives. They vividly illustrated Christ’s warning about not putting His teachings into practice. Like the house built upon a foundation of sand, their lives were swept away by temptations and addictions beyond their ability to overcome.
Jesus and His teachings are the only foundation that is safe to build upon. Christ’s foundation will steady us through the adversities, disappointments, and temptations of this life. And it will assure us of eternal life in the world to come.
REFLECTION
All of us have our idols – those we look up to and identify with. Have any of your idols ever disappointed you or failed to measure up to the image you had of them?
Jesus Christ is the only member of humanity who never sinned, never failed, and never abandoned a follower. He died on the cross for sins we committed and suffered God’s judgments in our place. But He rose from the grave and conquered death. Is it likely that He will ever disappoint you?
Let Jesus be your firm foundation and nothing of this world will ever disturb or overcome you.
