1Corinthians 3:1-23
Friday, 28 April 2023
“After all, no one can lay any other foundation than the one that is already laid, and that foundation is Jesus Christ. People may build on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw.” -1Corinthians 3: 11-12
Anything which stands tall and strong needs a foundation and a true Christian life is no exception! Apostle Paul was very keen in establishing the true foundation of Christian belief in the churches he planted. The New Testament undeniably proclaims the truths about Jesus Christ, the foundation on which we build up our Christian life—belief in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Saviour, first to begin with. When Jesus said “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), or to Peter that He will build His church on the Rock which is Himself (Matthew 16:18), He was reiterating that no other foundation will stand us in good stead before the judgment seat of Christ on that day (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Once we lay the right foundation of our life, then whatever we do becomes our work on it. There is no distinction between secular or spiritual activities-whatever we do, are the works of a Christian. And the works or the intention behind it will be tested with fire (Vs.12-13). Invariably we who pride in ourselves as mature Christians may also find that many of our works which we thought of as gold or better quality, will turn out to be of wood or straw which don’t benefit us in anyway. As we progress in our spiritual life and we begin to see more clearly in the light of God’s Word, we conclude that many things we were doing previously were works of straw or wood. For many of us, there is even a possibility that only at the time of testing by fire will we come to know whether our works were really of gold. At such a time even though our works be burnt up, because of God’s kindness to us and by our faith in Jesus Christ, we will be saved.
So brothers and sisters, a true self-examination and a distinguishing of our works in the understanding of God’s Word are the only ways to ensure that we are building our lives desirably. Now, understanding God’s Word requires studying, meditating, praying and a commitment to honor the truths which we learn. Such a commitment will enable us to find the will of God in everything we do and help us to build on our foundation of faith in Jesus Christ with precious stones, silver and gold. This will be pleasing to our Lord, who is ever willing to help us in honoring our commitment to Him.
While the good works are very important, it is a sad fact that many who do exceptionally good works are not aware of such a foundation in Christ. It is our responsibility as believers, to enlighten them and pray sincerely that they receive Christ as Saviour and Lord. Our work of silver and gold will surely influence them and Jesus Christ our foundation, will surely help us reach those who need to know that Christ is the true foundation on whom their lives need to be built.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, help us to see our works the way You see it and give us the grace to correct them that they won’t be burnt up. Help us to reach others with the good news that You are the real foundation on which to build their lives. Amen
Listen: 'On Christ the solid Rock'