We are continuing our meditation from yesterday on preparing ourselves for life after death. The Scriptures reveal that those who belong to Christ are building something meaningful with their lives, and there will be a reward when Christ returns. Paul, the Apostle, wrote:
10By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13their 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. 14If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames (1 Corinthians 3:10-15).
In verse 10, Paul reminds us to build with care. All labor in the Kingdom of God rests on the foundation of an intimate relationship with Christ (v. 11). This intimacy is represented as gold, silver, and costly stones—materials that endure a fire. All other good works are wood, hay, and stubble—materials consumed in the fire of judgment. The quality of the building materials reflects the motives behind the deeds performed. There are some significant aspects concerning this judgment, the first being that before Christ, our work will be revealed for what it is (v. 13). God will uncover every act and its motive. Nothing will remain hidden. This concept is also expressed elsewhere:
For there is nothing hidden that will not be disclosed, and nothing concealed that will not be known or brought out into the open (Luke 8:17).
Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13).
Author John Bevere writes:
"Many have the erroneous idea that all future judgment is eradicated by their salvation. Indeed, Jesus' blood cleanses us from the sins that would have kept us from the kingdom. However, it does not exempt us from the judgment of how we conduct ourselves as believers, whether good or bad."
Finally, everything will be revealed, and we will uncover the great mysteries of this life that people have tried to hide. Nothing will remain concealed. We shouldn't view this solely in a negative light, as many acts of kindness performed in secret will also come to light; God has recognized the intention and motivation behind these actions and will reward them openly. Some individuals may have worked without recognition, toiling quietly in remote areas to reach entire villages that are off the map. Their labor of love is pleasing to our God. Many of you have given generously and sacrificially to support the poor, doing so for God alone while keeping it a secret from others.
“…your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matthew 6:18). And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward (Matthew 10:42).
The Lord sees everything we have ever done for Him, and nothing escapes His attention. The day will come when we receive our inheritance given to us in Christ before time began. What a day that will be! Keep it up, Christian! Your reward is waiting for you! Keith Thomas
Taken from the series Insights into Eternity. Click on the study Preparing for Death.
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