Tuesday, January 24, 2023

           In his first letter to the Christians in Corinth, Paul wrote, “For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work” (I Corinthians 3:11-13).  Paul wrote about disciples of Christ as being builders.  The foundation is provided for us.  Christ Himself is the foundation.  There is no greater foundation.  Our faith is in the person and finished work of Christ for a worthy foundation in life.  Just like there is more to a house than the foundation, we have to build on what Christ has done for us and given to us.  We are not to abandon the foundation or leave it unadorned and unbuilt upon.    
            Paul says we are not to spend our days accumulating ordinary things such as wood, hay or straw.  These things are little better than a sugary snack that is tasty for a moment and then quickly gone.  But we are also not to reduce life to gathering extravagant things made from gold, silver or precious stones.  If we build a life defined by what we have made or collected, then we are building the wrong kind of life.  We are to build a life marked by worship, service, faith, trust, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control to name just a few things.  A life surrendered to Jesus, day by day and moment by moment, is the kind of thing that will last. 
            The Bible teaches that one day we will present our lives to the Lord and give an accounting for what we have done with what we were given.  We are to be faithful in small ways and with few things so that we can be equally faithful when bigger ways and more opportunities are given to us.  As Jesus taught, we are not to bury our talents or blessings.  We are to use them—multiply them, grow them, deploy them and put them to use for His glory and His mission.  Could it be that you spend a lot of time dabbling in the things that will not matter or last?  Time itself is a gift and we are to make the most of every single opportunity entrusted to us.  A prayer, a conversation and a note shared with others may be a good way to redeem the time the Lord has given to you. 
            Sometimes children or grandchildren will present us with a work of “art” that we ooh and ahh over.  The truth is we do treasure such things because they were given in and made by love.  We cherish what they have made or done because we love them.  We may often think that we have little to offer to the Lord or the cause of Christ.  But faithful offerings and devoted service are welcomed and embraced by the Father and duly noted in heaven’s record keeping.  He loves us and welcomes what His children bring to Him.  Building a life worthy of the foundation we have been given begins by giving the Lord our mind, heart and body.  Think on what is good and fill your mind with His Word.  Let truth occupy a place in your mind and respond to the deceptions of the world and the enemy with truth.  Harbor what is gracious and loving in your heart.  Fill your heart with grace, generosity, patience and perseverance.  Let your body be a vessel for service.  Abstain from what is evil and engage in what is righteous and good.  Do not act out of pride, resentment, anger or selfishness.  Think before you act or unload. 
            If you remember what it is like to build with Legos, Lincoln Logs or just a good set of colorful building blocks, then you know that you can easily scrap what you have made and start over.  The same principle works with faith too.  If you are saddened, sickened or sullen about the life you have built, it may be time to start over.  You already have your foundation in Christ and Christ alone.  With His grace, power and forgiveness, you can start over and begin to build the kind of life that you would like to present to Him one day.  Have a great Tuesday and remember you can share our worship any time with anyone at youtube.com/FirstBaptistKannapolis.