The book of Ecclesiastes teaches us among other things that life is challenging, frustrating, often disappointing, but never meaningless! Indeed, nothing is meaningless. The Psalmist both encouraged and warned “Verily, there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth” (Psalm 58:11). Everything that a man or woman does in this life will come under the judicial scrutiny of the eternal God in the next. Daniel Webster, 19th century statesman, said “The most important thought that ever occupied my mind is that of my individual responsibility to God.” Christ himself taught “Every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgement” (Matthew 12:36).
The evaluation of our works is true for believers in Christ as well as for unbelievers though at different times and for different reasons. Paul speaks to the matter of the believer’s works in his letter to the Corinthians. He pointed out to them that he had “laid the foundation” and that this “foundation…is Jesus Christ.” Consequently, Paul warned them saying “let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon” for there is no other foundation (I Corinthians 3:10-11). It is evident from this passage that every believer, man or woman, is building something with his or her life.
Paul points out that which we build has varying degrees of quality. He uses the terms “gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble” (I Corinthians 3:12). It is plain to see that some qualities are more desirable than others because of their innate preciousness. I would definitely want my work to be categorized as the former (gold, silver, precious stones) rather than the latter (wood, hay, stubble). The composition of our works will not be known thoroughly until that day of judgement. Then “every man’s work shall be made manifest…because it shall be revealed by fire” (I Corinthians 3:13).
The test of the works lies in their response to the flame. “If any man’s work abides…he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss” (I Corinthians 3:14-15). It’s not rocket science to grasp that gold, silver, precious stones endure the flame and wood, hay, stubble are burnt up. Paul is quick to point out, however, that though some of the believer’s works may be burned, “he himself shall be saved” (I Corinthians 3:15).
The real question resulting from this passage is how can I make sure that which I build reflects the more enduring qualities? The answer is to look to the foundation, Jesus Christ. The Lord Jesus taught “whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock” (Matthew 7:24). It is straightforward, if we know Christ, we build by following his word. Would Christ call you a “wise man”? Are your works gold, silver, precious gems?
Unbelieving friend, have you ever examined your life and asked yourself, “What am I building?” Better yet, on what am I building? Am I building on the Rock, Jesus Christ, or on sand? It is a matter of worthy consideration.
From the Chaplain 