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The Three Little Pigs has always been known as a classic bedtime story that sparks the interest of children around the world. In fact, its popularity has become so immense that there is more than one version to watch or read. While one version is more graphic (the wolf actually murdering the pigs), the other version has the pigs running away and finding refuge in the highly intelligent pig. Ultimately, despite the various versions available, the moral remains unchanged.
"With good work comes good fortune," one might suggests. "Heed the wisdom of the wise," another exclaims. Again, the message stays consistent throughout the decades.
So, it all begins with mother pig recognizing that her three piglets' childhood have inevitably come to a end. They have all grown up and have a chance to put to practice what they learned. The first two pigs quickly grab what they feel will make a shelter to live in, while the third pig takes his time. However, the major difference between the first two pigs and the third is the mindset they have. Pig 1 and 2 want to build a house as quick as they can; the sooner they finish, the more time they have to relax and enjoy life on their own. Pig 3 builds his house out of bricks, cement, and blueprints he has set up. His house is built out of sturdy material that will not collapse; he has a plan. The result of picking these resources means more labor and less relaxation time. Yet, Pig 3 recognizes his preparation will pay off.
As a result, Pig 1 and 2 find themselves buried beneath the wreckage of their own clumsiness, while Pig 3 eventually fools his enemy and triumphs over him. Pig 3, while he spent a majority of the story working, knew his hard work would pay off and keep him safe.
The philosophy the third pig carried with him worked: Prepare in advance what you need to do so you are ready when the enemy comes. The big bad wolf was prepared for a meal, but was the pig prepared to protect himself?
Jesus uses an illustration to communicate how crucial it is to be grounded in Christ:
"I will show you what it's like when someone comes to me, listens to my teaching, then follows it. It is like a person building a house who digs deep and lays the foundation on solid rock. When the floodwaters rise and break against that house, it stands firm because it is well-built" (Luke 6:47-48).
Then Jesus adds what it would look like to not obey:
"But anyone who hears and doesn't obey is like a person who builds a house without a foundation. When the floods sweep down against that house, it will collapse into a heap of ruins" (6:49).
We have an enemy who is constantly after us. He "prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Like the wolf, our enemy wants to destroy us, deceive us, and lie to us. He comes wanting to blow our house, our foundation, and our security in Christ, down. Not giving up, he wants 'The bacon.' Are we ready for him when he comes to us? Do we have confidence in the framework of our life? Do we trust that our foundation in Christ is going to keep us from harm?
The way we build our house is up to us. We can spend our life without purpose and without being grounded in anything. James 1:6 commands us with a similar warning: "Be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind."
If we walk in our own desires like Pig 1 and 2, we will get swept away and lost among our own ineptitude.
In Luke 6:47-49, Jesus offers two paths. In each, there is a reward/consequence that follows. Fortunately, we don't have to be like Pig 1 and 2; we have Scripture. We also have the Holy Spirit that dwells in us when we receive his guidance and recognize our inability to run things independently. James 1:21-22 provides more direction: "So get rid of all filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. But don't just listen to God's word. You must do what it says."
The Word of God, including the Holy Spirit, is your foundation. Rest in it, and the big, bad wolf will be huffing and puffing, huffing and puffing, and nothing will come down.
As you live out your journey, are you being swept away, ensnared by the desires the wolf has for you? Or, are you grounded in the Word and carefully listening to the guiding of the Holy Spirit? You always have the option, but either way, that wolf is coming to blow at your house.