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But there is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone’s work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. —1 Corinthians 3:13
Ezra and his companions labored to reconstruct the temple at Jerusalem. When their actions were brought to the attention of Darius the king, he approved the building project. Furthermore, he supplied all the necessary materials for construction, while the people provided the work. Ezra worked to rebuild a physical temple, but you are working on a spiritual temple (1 Corinthians 3:10). God Himself has provided the foundation, the equipment, and the materials in His Son, Jesus Christ. You are God’s fellow worker, laboring to build on this foundation the types of works that will stand the test of time and eternity. “If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames” (vv. 14-15). Your work for God will become the most important thing to you the moment you stand before the judgment seat of Christ. If your work on earth was hasty, superficial, and self-exalting, it will be destroyed. If it was deep, rooted in love, and glorifying only Christ, it will last. This spiritual temple you are building is all that is worthy of your life’s work, so give it your all. You will enjoy the rewards of your work for eternity.
Suggested Reading:
Ezra 4:24-6:22
1 Corinthians 3:5-23
Psalm 29:1-11
Proverbs 20:26-27