I was just reading my Bible yesterday night, on 1 Corinthians 3 when I suddenly came across this passage that hit me like a bolt of lighting. It says that "Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

How much of what we do carries value that will last when tested through fire? You see, Paul made it very clear, that we as believers, our work will be tested. When we are through, when we finish our journey on earth, what will God say of what we have done? I'd be so ashamed if it comes to nothing, where everything is consumed in the fire of God's testing. I have nothing to bring before my King would be embarassing.

So, what will we do? It's important for us to continue pursuing godly virtues and values, and working out our salvation with fear, according to Phillippians 2:12-13. "Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure." This does not mean that we ought to live in fear, but to continually watch our walk and character so that it will bring praise and glory to Jesus, and to center our faith on the finished work of the Cross, as the fuel for us to do good works.

The question here would be, "Are you doing anything that is of eternal value that will last through the fire?" Of the elements spoken of by Paul (gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw), only the first 3 elements will stand the test. The others will turn to ashes when tested with fire. So, what would it be?

My prayer for us that that we'll know how to gauge what activities or efforts we are doing that will last through fire. How do we know? Simple - Matthew 6 is a good key to help us.

May we continue to persevere to walk in godliness, investing in the eternal, or investing in others. We know this will remain when tested by fire.