Works That Endure the Fire
ICS Daily Devotions
2 Corinthians 5:10 (NKJV) For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (NKJV) Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
We are called to be faithful in administering the gifts, resources, and preaching of the gospel. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus rebuked the servant who received one talent and did nothing with it. Although this parable talks about money, the same expectations apply to preaching the gospel and to the faithful use of all gifts—spiritual or administrative, because God expects us to be faithful stewards of all the gifts He has given us.
These two passages give us a glimpse of what awaits us when we meet God face-to-face. Everything will be revealed on that day, including the motives of our hearts when we serve. Some serve out of allegiance to someone, such as the Apostle Paul or Apollo (1 Corinthians 3:5), but one should serve because of one’s love for God.
Gold, silver, and costly stones represent work that is durable, valuable, and eternal. They are services done with the right heart motives: out of love for God, for His glory, and in obedience to His Word; ministries that point to Christ, not to us; with characters that are built on the fruit of the Spirit, and acts of kindness done in Jesus’ name, not for our own recognition.
Wood, hay, and straw represent work that is shoddy, temporary, and worthless in an eternal sense. They may not necessarily be bad or sinful activities and could be good religious activities done for the wrong reasons.
Fire reveals and tests quality; it exposes the hidden motives of the heart that no one else can see—sometimes even hidden from ourselves. We should ask, “Why did I do it?” “Was it for God’s glory, or for my own?” We should always serve out of our love for God and people.
We will one day give an account before the judgement seat of Christ for how we lived for Him and how we stewarded what He entrusted to us. Therefore, we should manage our time wisely in His service and be faithful with the resources He has given us, knowing that every believer will stand before Christ to answer for their stewardship.
Our service should stem from love and obedience, so that our works can withstand the refining fire on that day—emerging like gold and precious stones rather than being consumed like wood or hay.
Reflection: When considering your service and work, how can you ensure that your motives align with God’s glory and love, so that your work will withstand the test of fire?
Sermon: Stewardship is Established in Love
