The Bible gives us peaks into future things. And one of those glimpses is the Judgment Seat of Christ. I believe this seat is reserved for rewards. The Judgment Seat of Christ is for believers and will reveal what we did in our bodies on this earth (2 Corinthians 5:10). 

Did you know that you are a builder? That’s right! The Bible says so! I’m not talking about hammering a structure together or mortaring a brick wall – I’m talking about building on the firmest foundation ever laid – the foundation of Jesus Christ. The Church is called to build on it. We read in Ephesians 2:20…

Together, we are his house, built on the foundation of the apostles and the
prophets. And the cornerstone is Jesus himself.

I’ve been pondering 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. This passage clearly records how we are to build on this foundation. And the materials we use are crucial to its sturdiness. You see, at the Judgment Seat of Christ, there will be a fire. And the materials we use to build with now will go through this fire.

So then, we need to make sure we build with materials that will withstand the fire – materials that have eternal value. If we choose flameproof materials, then we will receive rewards (1 Corinthians 3:14). I know I want that. I’m sure you do, too.

So we must ask ourselves… what are the materials that will withstand the heat of this fire, and what materials will not? Let’s quickly cover some materials that WON’T make it (they’ll be burned up)…

Judgment (Matthew 7:1) 
Power (Proverbs 25:27)
Pride (Proverbs 16:5)
Dishonesty (Proverbs 12:12)
Being Hypocritical (Matthew 23:27-28)
Egotism (3 John 9-10)
Money (1 Timothy 6:10)
Popularity (Colossians 3:23)

We need to be very careful that these things are not governing our lives or our ministries. I’ve seen many of them in the Church. I’ve witnessed church leaders use their position to exercise one or more of these. These are sins and if any of them are reigning over us, then we need to repent and ask God to help us choose better materials. 

Now hear me… the materials burned up won’t affect our salvation. We’ll still be in heaven, but we’ll suffer loss (1 Corinthians 3:15) . I would hate to think I’ll suffer loss.

We do NOT want to play with this fire! Nor do we want to take our chances.

Okay, so let’s look at a list of materials that WILL make it (they will NOT be burned up)…  

Love (John 13:34)
Forgiveness (Colossians 3:13)
Truthfulness (2 Corinthians 8:21)
Genuineness (1 Peter 1:7)
Humbleness (James 4:6)
Kindness (Ephesians 4:32)
Faithfulness (Proverbs 3:3)
Compassion (Colossians 3:12)

Of course, I’ve just skimmed the surface. But we get the point. We need to examine if we’re building on the foundation the apostles and prophets laid, and if so, what materials we’re using. Do they have eternal value?

So let me say it again… We do NOT want to play with this fire!

Just some thoughts today.

Blessings,