Living Wisely #6—Wisely Done

Everyone who hears these words of mine, and acts upon them, is like a wise man who built his house upon the rock. The rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and burst against that house; but it did not fall, for it had been founded upon the rock. Matthew 7:24–25

We determine the level of our wisdom by the outcome of our actions. The more what we do results in goodness, the more our behavior will deserve the adjective “wise.” So Jesus’ word to the wise is sufficient. It is sufficient to make us start with the end in view. It is sufficient to make us factor in as many contingencies as we can imagine. It is sufficient to make us act according to the truth we have learned. It is sufficient to keep us going regardless of the obstacles we face. Jesus’ word is very simple: Those who survive the Judgment will be called wise. So we begin with the goal of not being destroyed by God’s wrath when it comes. We think of all the ways of living which will result in praise rather than wrath. Then we commit ourselves to do what Jesus taught: to be merciful enough not only to forgive, but also to love; to be pure in heart so that we live up to all our commitments; and to be peacemakers who also admit what we’ve done wrong and seek forgiveness.

Holy Father, I want to hear Jesus welcome me into Eternity saying, “Wisely done!” Cause me to see how crucial it is to do what he says, and to act accordingly. Amen.