February 27, 2024

Choosing the Right Building Material

According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work. If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

A believer’s life is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. One way to think about this is that every motive, deed, and word is a building material for our spiritual house. All that we have said and done in Jesus’ name will be incorporated into this structure, but it will also include sin, negative attitudes, and good deeds done with wrong motives. Not all if it will last, however—someday, when we stand in the Savior’s holy and just presence, the only things that will remain are what we’ve done to glorify Jesus.

The apostle Paul warned believers to build with care because on the day of judgment, fire will test the quality of each person’s work—this refers to the purifying presence of Jesus Christ. The judgment of believers is about rewards. In the parable of the unrighteous steward, Jesus explained the basic concept to His disciples: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Our time on earth is the beginning of an eternity serving and rejoicing in the Lord.

Wise people plan for the future (Proverbs 27:12). I want to receive as much of God’s goodness as He offers, so I’m determined to build with top-quality, enduring materials. The privilege of serving here is only the beginning of the rewards. In heaven, God’s generosity will be even more abundantly unleashed.

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