GOoDLifePre-Cepts
By: KeviJ
I was born and raised in the beautiful city of New Orleans, LA. The featured photo shows the remains of the lot where I grew up. My childhood house is gone. So is the high school I attended. Post-Katrina, vast parts of New Orleans—and many of my memories related to this location—exist only in story form.
Katrina was a great revealer. In the picture, you’ll notice one house still standing. That’s Mrs. Eunice and Mr. Weldon’s place—the neighbors I mentioned in a previous post.
Their home wasn’t the prettiest on the block, but it survived the storm that wiped out at least 4 families’ belongings. Katrina reminded me: the issue is never curb appeal; it’s all about the foundation.
Jesus put it bluntly:
“Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say?” — Luke 6:46
We can show up at church, speak fluent Christianese, and polish a spiritual image—yet keep a hollow, thorny, or stony heart that refuses Jesus’ words. In Kingdom terms, a gorgeous house on sand still collapses. Obedience, not appearances, reveals the depth of the relationship.
I still honor my earthly dad, even though he’s 70 years old. Do you still honor your parents even as an adult? If we instinctively respect our parents, how much more should we honor and reverence God as our Heavenly Father daily? In His story, both builders hear the same message. Only one digs deep, puts truth into practice, and sets footers on bedrock.
Jesus warns that not every churchgoer, Bible reader, or worship leader is aligned with heaven’s will. Works don’t save us, but authentic salvation produces visible obedience. IJS.
Living for an Audience of One means Jesus isn’t our consultant; He’s King. He said, “If you love Me, keep My commands.” (John 14:15) Some will prophesy, cast out demons, even work miracles—yet still hear, “Depart from Me; I never knew you,” because they practiced lawlessness (Matt 7:23).
Storms hit every house. Same wind, same rain. Only the life anchored in Christ’s words stands when everything shakes.
Quick tips to deepen the “root”
| Practice | Why it matters | Start today |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Scripture → Application | Hearing + doing cements truth. | Pray one verse into action. |
| Confession & community | Keeps foundation honest. | Text a friend: “Hold me accountable.” |
| Spirit‑led obedience in small things | Builds reflexes for big storms. | Ask, “What’s one prompt I can obey right now?” |
Closing challenge
Storms are coming—relational stress, financial hits, cultural shake‑ups. What you build on now decides what stands later. Let’s dig deep, obey quickly, and let every “Lord, Lord” be matched by loyal action.
Thoughts to ponder:
Optional Or Essential?
Do I treat Jesus’ commands– love, forgive, pray fast as optional or absolutes?
Consultant or King?
Where in my schedule, money, or relationship is Jesus merely advisory?
Private Fruit Check:
When no one is watching, does my attitude match the tree I claim to be?
