1 Corinthians 3:12-13If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw. Each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.
Fire resistant materials can withstand high temperatures and resist catching fire or spreading flames. Gold and silver do not melt in ordinary fire. Precious stones such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies, can withstand very high temperatures. Similarly, the quality of our spiritual foundation will be tested by the Holy fire of God.
We must constantly review the building material on which our spiritual life is built. Our thoughts and intentions behind our words and actions are weighty in the spiritual realm. “We can do the right things for the wrong reasons” but we will only be building with wood, hay and straw that will be burnt to ashes and will have no eternal value. “Why we do what we do” will be tested by fire. God cannot be mocked or fooled.
Jesus condemned those who boasted about their external extravaganza as “white washed tombs”! Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead (Matthew 23:27). Many hours of prayer will not please the Lord, only praying from the spirit with sincerity will unlock the favour of heaven. Lavish giving to gain popularity and fame are only wood, hay and stubble that is worth nothing in the Kingdom of God. Serving, sweeping and singing must be with the right intentions. Our thoughts, desires and intentions will go through the test of fire.
We can be on fire for the Lord only if we build with fire resistant materials of holiness, humility and honesty. Compassion, Temperance and purity are fire resistant spiritual building materials. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward (1 Corinthians 3:14).
Fan the Fire into flames:
- Work: Build on love, righteousness and integrity.
- Words: Speak only what you mean from your heart.
- Worth: The intent behind the action will be tested by fire.
Our life must be fireproofed.
Prayer: Lord my God, search my heart and see if there are any wicked ways in me and empower me to walk in righteousness. Amen.
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