11 For
other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now
if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay,
stubble;
13 Every
man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it
shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort
it is.
14 If
any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
(1 Cor. 3:11-14)
I always kind of wondered about this
scripture, but this time it made more sense to me. It’s saying everyone’s work
is tested in a particular way to see if it can stand through trial.
Missionary work is tested through
others’ indifference or persecution. Love is tested through separation, loss,
common events of life, and differences of opinion. Faith is tested by seeming
to be left unsupported by God. Our work is tested when it becomes difficult or
thankless. Habits of scripture reading may be tested by a period when one seems
to have gotten nothing from it. Good parenting is tested with difficult
children or children going through difficult stages. Can it all endure the
test? That is the question.
Paul says Christ is the foundation to
build upon, so His way is the best way to do things. But then our motives
matter as well. If we’re doing the right thing for the wrong reason, a
difficult trial might stop us unless we can start doing it for the right
reason. For instance, doing missionary work for praise or status would cease if
one finds they lose status or are maligned, unless they can choose to do it
anyway, to bring souls to God and try to help people.
