Building on the Foundation (2 Cor. 3:12-15)

Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
(2 Corinthians 3:12-15, NASB)

One day each and every one who has proclaimed faith in Christ will stand before Creator God and will give an account for what we did during our lifetimes.

Some will have built on their foundation of faith by serving God, by doing His will, by reaching others for Christ. They will have given to the needy. Used their God-given gifts. Lived to glorify God.

Gold. Silver. Precious stones.

Others will have built on their foundation of faith by going to church—almost every Sunday—by  doing their own thing, by talking about God only on occasion. They will have hoarded their wealth. Hidden their God-given gifts. Lived to glorify self.

Wood. Hay. Straw.

The first will one day receive awards for their service. The second, while still spending eternity with Christ, will “receive loss” for their lack of earthly service.

I know the Bible tells us that Christ He will “wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4), so I don’t believe we’ll mourn a lack of reward.

And since heaven will be sin-free, I don’t believe we’ll be envious of others’ rewards.

No matter what our rewards in heaven will be, our focus on earth should be on doing all we can to bring glory to God and to fulfill His purpose.

Focus on those things most precious things.