Scripture to Read: Matthew 6:1
In Matthew 6:1, Jesus also said that when we seek glory from men and to be rewarded by them, we forfeit our reward from God the Father in heaven. Jesus is not talking about being saved or lost but about accomplishing what God has called us to do for His kingdom and glory. One day, every Christian will stand before the judgment seat of God, and we’ll give an account for the “good works” we did here on earth. God led Paul to write and tells us in 1 Corinthians 3:11–15, “For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 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. 14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” The only foundation we have to stand on is Christ. The “good works" we do that are built on the foundation of Christ produce gold, silver, and precious stones that we’ll present to our Lord as a gift to Him. But the works we do in our flesh will produce wood, hay, and straw. As our fleshly works are tested by God's fire, they will be consumed.
Challenge & Application
· What “good works” are you doing that you know our Lord has called you to do?
· Since Christ is our foundation on Whom we stand, walk, and serve, how are you guarding against producing wood, hay, and straw?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!