Building a Proper Foundation
- Bishop Keith Butler
- Jul 27, 2024
- 2 min read
Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)
Paul listed two categories of materials: gold, silver, and precious stones, as well as wood, hay, and stubble. The first group represents valuable and difficult-to-come-by, mined, and produced items. Obtaining gold, silver, and precious stones takes effort, time, and purpose. The second group includes things that are temporary, only good for a moment, not valuable or precious, and easily accessible. Anyone can find and gather these materials. They can also be used to build something, but the thing built will never last the test of time.
Paul said that every man’s work will be seen. The Greek word for work is ergon, which means every deed, act, work, and doing that a person does on earth.
Everything you do at your job, in your church, for your family, or for any purpose will point to the kingdom (valuable material), or it will be temporal (wood, stubble, etc.). One day, everything you have done will be judged to see if your heart was for the kingdom over building something for your pride or purposes.
God promises that rewards in heaven will be based on the kingdom-purposed actions of believers. Some people will receive great rewards. Others will have minimal rewards. Are you kingdom-focused, or is your mind on the things of this world?
Practical Application
Take time to evaluate what you are building your life on. When you do your job, is your focus on being used for kingdom purposes or on making a paycheck? When you serve your family, is your focus on doing it as unto the Lord or on doing it to get it done? Every work will have a reward if the kingdom is your focus.
