For no one can lay any foundation other than the one we must already have - Jesus Christ.
Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials - gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgement day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. If the work survives, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builder will be saved, but like someone barely escaping through a wall of flames.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15
We are all called to work for God. We are His hands and feet, we make up His church. As the church we are told to continue building on the foundation that was laid over 2 thousand years ago. There are many jobs for us and not one is more important than another. There are many things that need accomplished and we work together with the same purpose of growing God's church. "The one who plants and the one who waters work together with the same purpose. And both will be rewarded for their own hard work." (1 Corinthans 3:8)
I may do something one way and you may do it the other way. I may be terrible at one thing and you may be amazingly talented. Here Paul is telling us that there are many materials, or ways we can build on our foundation. There is no one way that is better than the other. God made us different so that we could all fit together and accomplish His one goal. Winning believers for the Kingdom of God. What a big responsitility we have! We are God's witnesses to the great things He promises in the bible and it is our job to share His love and promises to the world. With our special "materials"...........actions, speech, talents and patience.........we have an awesome reason for living!
But what if we don't use our talents? What if we refuse to get creative with our materials? What if we go through life just living for ourselves? We may have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior but if we aren't building His church we will miss out on rewards. Our work will be tested on judgement day and the things we do on earth to help grow the kingdom of God will be noticed and the things we don't do will be noticed too. This fire, or judgement will test our motives and it will test the materiels we used to grow God's church. If we left some talents sit unused, God will notice; if we use the same material and never try something else; God will notice; if our motives for helping others is selfish, God will notice. These things may not stand the test of fire and my friends that is scary! Paul reassures us that we will not lose our salvation. No, we won't be kicked out of God's Kingdom, but we will miss out on very special rewards. We will barely get in!
Our faith is proven through our actions. If we really love God as we should then our actions should match up with our words. As a christian we should devote ourelves to living for the Kingdom of God. Helping to build up His church and grow the number of believers that will enter heaven some day. We are all craftsmen! We are builders! What are you doing to fulfill your role? What materials are you using? What materials have you left sitting to gather dust?
Dear God, reveal to me the work you would have me accomplish through the gifts and "materials" you have given to me. I want to build your church and see it grow in my lifetime and into eternity. Supply me with new materials, give me opportunities, and make known to me the ways in which I can work for You. Thank you for your love and patience. amen
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