Work

 each one's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.
1 Corinthians 3:13 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1co.3.13.ESV

It is hard in this life to quantify the impact our work has. But a day is coming when everyone's work will become manifest. That day will disclose the quality of what we have done.

I'm reminded of the story of the three little pigs. The wolf blew the straw and wood houses down, but the brick house stood firm. Similarly, our work will be tested in the fire of God's justice. All our motives will be evaluated in the light of God's gaze.

Not only do we have to build on the foundation of Christ, but we have to build with the right materials. I'm sure using this analogy that the fruit of the Spirit is the bricks we need to use: love, joy, peace etc. We need to make sure our work lasts by doing it not for ourselves, but for the glory of God.

This verse is something of a warning to the Corinthian church, who prided themselves on their wisdom, but who were divisive and partisan. May we only boast in the cross of Christ, and follow Him only, rather than 'Christian celebrities'. We need to search our hearts to make sure our work will last.

'Almighty Lord, may our work for You be genuine and lasting, not so that we might feel good about ourselves, but so that You might be glorified. In Jesus' name, amen'

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