Build on the Right Foundation

“According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 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.” 1 Corinthians 3:10-15

All of us like to be rewarded for a job well done. No one turns down a paycheck. There is nothing wrong with that in God’s eyes, as long as our motivation for seeking rewards is based on the right thing.

The problem usually comes as a result of unfilled needs. Many people have learned one of the surest ways to receive positive regard and strokes of praise is by performing amazing tasks. Their entire lives become treadmills of performance-based acceptance. Then they meet the Master of unconditional love and acceptance, Jesus Christ, and their performance-based world falls apart.

They learn their acceptance is not based on what they accomplish but on what one man accomplished on a lonely Roman cross. There is nothing they can do to increase their worth. The only worth they have is found in God’s Son, and He paid the price for all their sins - past, present, and future - at Calvary.

God’s rewards are eternal. They are not based on what or how much we do. Instead, they are based on who we faithfully worship. We’re not graded for mental brilliance but for the times we follow Christ in humble obedience.

“If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.” 1 Corinthians 3:14