It seems like lots of folks have taken off for the mountains or the beach, for a family vacation, so it seems like the perfect time to look at the topic of children, rocks, and sand.
The scripture passages we want to explore, from a metaphysical, spiritual perspective, come from the 7thchapter of Matt., verses 24-27 and Luke 6:46-49. They are only eight verses, but they are eight powerful verses:
Matt. 7:24-27: 24 “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. 25 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. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”
Luke 6:46-49: 46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not act on them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
The key words in both passages are “act on them.” Studying Truth Principles is not enough. There are many well-intended Truth students who become educated beyond their intelligence. You know what we mean! William Osler said: “It is easier to buy books than to read them, and easier to read them than absorb them.” We would add that it is easier to absorb them than apply what is learned!
The Christ as Jesus was concerned about that too. Matthew’s version is a little bit more tactful than Luke’s. Matthew quotes Jesus as saying, “Everyone who hears these words of mine…” Luke is more in our face. He quotes our Wayshower emphatically. “Why do you call me Lord and then do not do what I say?” Today He might say, “What were you thinking?” It’s the same question most consultants, trainers, therapists, and counselors ask. “If you’re not going to follow my advice, why did you hire me?” Sound familiar?
The key message in these scriptures is to apply what we have learned. Without application teachings are useless. It’s like the sluggish salesperson who is told that his commission becomes effective when he does.
What Does This Mean Metaphysically?
House, Rock: Verse 24 in Matt. And 48 in Luke refer to building a house on rock. Metaphysically, house means “consciousness” and rock means a “strong faith foundation built on truth principles.” Make sense!
Rain, Winds, Stand Firm: When the rain and winds come – the storms in life – things like: unemployment, health challenges, months when you’ve got more month left than money, family issues, life transitions, and so on — When all these things test your coping ability, and your patience, and your wallet – stand firm on rock solid faith. Apply the Truth Principles you’ve learned.
If you try to do it with lukewarm faith, represented by shifting sand, your foundationless, on-again/off-again truth consciousness will not sustain you.
How do you stand firm in faith?
Stay prayed-up and meditated-up! Maintain your spiritual practice on a daily basis. When you live from the awareness of Oneness, and stand in the Truth of Faith, you truly can walk the spiritual path on practical feet.
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