For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person's work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 1Corinthians 3: 11-15
In the last three to four months, I have come across articles and heard sermons about the testing of our work as believers. As if it was not enough, my pastor preached it in our church recently. And then I began to meditate in this scripture seriously. It was not coincidental that it was repeatedly coming my way. There was a message for me. And probably for others too. The first time I read it in a magazine, it sent shivers through me. I realised that some of the things I could be doing for the Lord may not survive the test of fire.
I have been making a through examination of my life and the acts of service or ministry that I am involved in with a view to seeing the inner motives of my heart. I think that the reason why some of the work may not survive the test of fire is purely the motive behind it. The beginning may have been well meant but somewhere along the line the flesh takes control and the foundation is diluted.
I have asked myself the following questions in my human efforts to see if any of my work will survive the test of fire. It is horrifying to imagine all my work burned up in a heap of ash and I escaping hell by a whisker. Do I want God to be glorified in my writing? Do I sing in the choir to please the leadership or to put up a stage show? Do I share my experiences with others so that they may see my heroism? Do I give so that I can be known or seen? Do I take a behind- the -scenes role so that God gets the glory? The list is endless. I realise everything I do must glorify God, even if it means only the way I speak or dress. And that is not always easy.
Dear God, I desire that my work would withstand the test of fire when the time comes. Please help me to live a lifestyle that glorifies you alone. Amen
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This devotion is one I needed to hear, and it leaves me much to think on. Thank you for sharing it.
I detect a servant's heart behind this article and the desire to bring all glory to God. Your thoughts touch me and make me want to also examine my motives for the things I do. God bless you for sharing this wisdom from the Lord.
