[1 Corinthians 3, Proverbs 1]

H – 1 Corinthians 3:12–14, “[12] Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—[13] 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. [14] If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward.”

E – My Life’s Work!

Paul used the analogy for the Christian life as a builder. This builder is building upon some type of foundation with some type of material. I’m not a master carpenter, but I know enough that I can say, foundations matter. The materials that we use to build upon certain foundations also matter. 

The foundation must be planned out, prepared, and leveled. This is important because if it’s not then anything built upon it will either cave in, lean and eventually collapse, or stand strong and sturdy. On the biblical foundation that has been planned, prepared, and leveled lays a cornerstone. The cornerstone is a big deal. The cornerstone lays out the pattern and integrity for the rest of the building. The cornerstone is foundational as everything else that will be placed upon the foundation aligns off of this one stone. 

Jesus is that cornerstone. Spiritually, if we are in Christ, we are all built upon the foundation which God has prepared for us and Christ laid upon being the reliable measure and pattern for His church. This is huge! As the cornerstone of the building of the church, Jesus is our standard of measure and alignment.

This means that my life’s work matters. And, how I build upon the foundation matters. What I use to build upon the foundation matters. Not only does it matter now, but it will eternally matter on the Day. 

So, shouldn’t that which I lay upon this foundation and up to this cornerstone be quality? Shouldn’t I know if my life’s work is being measured accurately? Shouldn’t I care about making sure that I’m aligned and straight in direction?

Paul claimed to these believers that the quality of their life’s work will one day be manifest for all to see. Their life’s work will be revealed by fire and only that which will be able to stand against fire will be rewarded. 

My life’s work will either stand the test of fire or it will not. For that, I should care about the purpose and value of my life and my life’s work. 

A – I will be rewarded by the work I accomplish. I don’t want to build something different than what God is building. I want my life’s work to be manifested by His Spirit. I want my life to be one of spiritual quality and vitality. As a Christ follower I want my life’s work to be done in Christlike faith and obedience (3:10–11). I do not want my life’s work to be done in the flesh (3:1), for it will not be rewarded. 

R – Lord God, thank you for the foundation in which you laid and even given me the opportunity to lay upon it. Lord I pray my life’s work will honor you. I pray that I would continue to refocus and reprioritize my life to match your plan that you have prepared for your church. Help me to fight in faith my flesh (3:3). Continue to lead me in spiritual maturity. Grow me more and more into your image (3:7). I pray your Spirit would dwell and be evident in my life today (3:16) and my life’s work would be your last words.

In Jesus Name!