Life can turn out a “no thanks” or a silent thankless response, or an angry disapproval. It can conjure up hate or produce joy. “Our actions affect other humans, animals, birds etc. — most times their “space” gets invaded. Yes, the fellow inhabitant’s plans explode, thoughts implode and provisions delay as faith decays.
“you did them wrong!” (sarcastically speaking).
Contrarily, love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things, bears up; love never fails. “But if there are prophecies, they will be done away with; if there are languages, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be brought to an end.”
“For our knowledge is imperfect, and so is our prophesying; but when the perfect state of things is come, all that is imperfect will be brought to an end.” 1Corinthians 13:9-10
For us, “imperfect” means partial, apportioned, a little at a time. Precepts (building blocks), are stacked, one on another, and the bottom ones support the ones on top. Trying to build the tops when bottoms don’t establish them? — a set up for disaster. They will roll over in the storms of imperfect life. Build we must — but rightly.
On the founding-bottom we must dig to find the immovable rock. That’s Christ. In Psalm 27:8 we seek His face. He never fails, nor changes; neither can He be moved. This means when we set Him before our face, and He is at our right hand, we will not be moved, either. Psalm 16:8 This includes Christ’s person, and His Finished Work accomplished on Calvary’s tree, all “positional” aspects in the Word, our righteous standing in Him and His unconditional promises.
So, next we build on the solid rock, but our materials must be carefully selected. Non-flammables, non-meltibles, un-corrosives, and un-faders include gold, silver and precious stones. 1 Corinthians 3:12
“the fire is the thing which will test it” Weymouth.
…wood, hay, and stubble would not cut the building-block muster — also in 1 Corinthians 3:12.
What are these elements signifying?
First the perishables: Albert Barnes tells us, “… enthusiasm, wildfire, fanaticism, bigotry …much that is supposed to be orthodoxy; much regard to forms and ceremonies; to “days, and months, and times, and years;” much over-heated zeal, and much precision, and solemn sanctimoniousness; much regard for external ordinances where the heart is missing.”
“Nothing must be laid upon it, but what the foundation will bear, and what is of a piece with it.”Let us not dare to join a merely human or a carnal life with a Divine faith.” Mathew Henry
Hay and straw speak of the heavy, frustrating burdens that people impose on themselves and on others. goedbericht
Now the imperishable stuff:
“I clarified that the
- gold speaks of the glory of God as God…
- Silver, in Scripture, is legal tender, and refers to the payment that Christ Jesus paid as a ransom for the deliverance of every human being (1Timothy 2:6).
- Precious stones are a type of the glorious truths concerning he multifarious wisdom of God.”goedbericht
What does it all mean for us?
One day we Christians will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ, (Bema). Fire will try all of our works as to what sort they are. Motives will be measured. “If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” 1 Corinthians 3:15
“Only what is done in Christ will last.”
Was the gospel on our lips? Was God’s Word and wisdom a priority? Did we let it sink down deep in our heart?
Did we find ways to rationalize our obstinate attitudes? Did we lack proper priorities? Did we stay with it long enough for God to build something valuable?
Finally, many, or most, never establish the foundation and get the peace of Christ. They operate in a continual struggle. They try to love without first finding liberty. They impose sanctions on themselves and others.
Friends, God’s Word is one of His grace Acts 20:32 If we get grace we will find love and then we build kindness, charity and effective works.
love ya
