Following our recent move as a family from the UK to Greece, we have started learning Greek. It is not easy. Without a doubt, the hardest language that I have ever tried to learn. Yet despite the challenges, we have found that it is so much easier to remember the Greek that we have a chance to put into practice in daily life. The numbers needed to understand the cost of the amazing seasonal fruit and vegetables at the weekly market or asking for delicious freshly made bread at the bakery – just a couple of the highlights of living here!
As the Greek we practice becomes easier, I am reminded of how Jesus asked us to put his example and teachings into practice in the story of the wise and foolish builders. The wise builder built his house on the rock, whereas the foolish builder built his house on the sand. When the wind and the rain come, the wise man’s house stands and the foolish man’s house is washed away.
Jesus tells us this story as an encouragement to put what we learn into practice. Jesus says if we listen to his teaching but do not act on it, we are like the foolish man but if we listen and let Jesus’ teaching change the way we live then we will be like the wise man whose house stood firm on the rock.
So just as we are learning Greek, not to have more language knowledge, but in the hope that one day, we will be able to fluently share God’s love with our new friends and neighbours. We are also called not just to learn about Jesus but to become more like Him. As we grow each day, in the grace given by God, we are able to put into practice what we learn.
I don’t know about you but when I look back over the many years of bible teaching that I have heard, I wonder how much of it I have actually put into practice. By the grace of God, I can definitely see some changes in my life but I know that God has so much more, more than I can ask or imagine. I long to be more like Jesus, shining with the truth and light of who He is so that many who are unreached will know that He is God!
This is Jesus’ plan for us “go and make disciples of all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.” Matthew 28 v 19 – 20.
What could be more amazing than that, to live to know & love Jesus more each day and play our part in seeing the Great Commission fulfilled wherever he sends us.
