Vital signs- Sunday, August 1st, 2021

“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.”

(Matthew 7:26-27)

There was a theater that was packed full of people who came to hear a great actor. The manager of the theater came to him just before he was to step on the stage and said, “We have an emergency. A fire has broken out in the wings of the theater, and we don’t want the people to stampede. We would like you to go out and tell the people that the theater is on fire but keep the crowd under control and ask them to leave quietly and politely and nobody’s life will be in danger.” When this great actor stepped on the platform, they applauded. He held up his hands to stop the applause, and he said, “Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention. I have a serious announcement to make, and I want you to listen very carefully.” He said, “There’s no cause for panic. Everything is under control. But I have been informed that a small fire has broken out in the wings of this theater, and so it is important for our safety that we rise from our seats and carefully leave the building. There’s enough time for everyone to leave in order.” The audience responded with, “Bravo, bravo.” They thought it was a part of the act. “No,” he said, “ladies and gentlemen, this is not a part of the act. There’s a fire. It is important that you leave the auditorium now.” Again they said, “Bravo, that’s even better.” Now with the tears streaming down his cheeks, he said, “You must go.” But they continued on, “Yes, wonderful, wonderful.”

So many times we sit in church and hear truth that way, as if the preacher is some actor and this is some form of entertainment, but we do not act upon that truth. Jesus said when we hear truth but do not obey the truth we’re like a foolish man that built his house upon the sand. And the storms are coming. We must hear and obey the truth.

• Where is God calling you to act in line with His truth today?

• How will you respond to show you’re treasuring the truth?

Act in obedience with the truth God has revealed to you today.