A
meditation 1Co 3:11-15
Millions of Christians
will discover that they are in Heaven for all eternity, but that they
missed many opportunities in their lives. They will receive their
spiritual reward, but will be surprised to know that they wasted a
part of their lives on earth.
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already
laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation
using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will
be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It
will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of
each man’s work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his
reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be
saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians
3:12-15
The apostle Paul
explains to us that we should construct our lives upon the foundation
which is Jesus Christ, and, always take care that “our work is not
of wood, hay or straw.” Since in accordance with the Scriptures,
all of these won’t help us; for in the end they will burn. In place
of these then, must be: gold, silver, or precious stones.
Something that is purified “though the flames.”
Are our actions
made of gold and silver? This is the question!
Again, I am saying
that, “Everything that is straw will be lost eternally. It will be
burned.”
Jerônimo
Savonarola (1452-1498), reformer and Italian revivalist, so used by
God before the reformation, died as a martyr–burned at the stake.
He preached:
“Do you want to
go up in this world? You should work while others are having fun!
Do you want to have a brave reputation? You should risk your life!
Do you want to be strong, morally and physically? You should resist
temptation! All of this is to make payment in advance! The things
that I do are an investment in eternal life.”
What has been your
investment?
The Word of God
informs us that we were bought at a price (1 Co 6:19-20). Our bodies
are not ours, they belong to Jesus! We cannot destroy our bodies
with harmful habits; we should be careful so as not to cut our lives
here on earth short because of our habits, a lack of exercise or
other things. We were bought by Jesus Christ! The Bible says that
we are God’s personal property, and that we should live for Him.
“Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and
that God’s Spirit lives in you? If anyone destroys God’s
temple, God will destroy him; for God’s temple is sacred, and you are
that temple.” 1 Co 3:16-17
The apostle Paul
says that for him, Christ is life (Pp 1.21). Showing his joy to live
in sanctity and in full harmony with the Master.
To live for the
Lord means to prioritize spiritual things.
“Do not deceive
yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of
this age, he should become a “fool” so that he may become
wise.” (1 Co 3:18)
Reflect…