Unless you're in construction, you probably don't spend much time thinking about foundations. You may even take it for granted that the places where you spend your time—your home, your workplace, your school—have all been built to withstand time and tragedy. It's only when a foundation is put to the test that we find out if it was any good in the first place.
With every decision you make, you're building upon that foundation, and what you build will determine your heavenly rewards.
Paul told the Christians in Corinth that he laid a foundation for them—the Gospel of Jesus Christ (see 1 Corinthians 3:10-11). This foundation is sure, invulnerable, eternally firm. But it is the responsibility of each and every believer to build upon it. If you have placed your trust in Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior, your eternal destiny is settled and secure, just like a solid foundation. But with every decision you make, you're building upon that foundation, and what you build will determine your heavenly rewards.
There are many believers today who are building with straw, and one day they will stand before the Lord and discover that it has all burned up. In this world, it seems someone is offering us straw to build with at every turn. But if we will push aside the straw of false religions, empty philosophies, and worldly pursuits and instead obey God's Word, we'll find we're building with "gold, silver, [and] costly stones" (3:12)—eternal materials beautiful in God's sight.
Prayer: God, help me build to the glory of Your name with beautiful materials, lasting materials. I know that as I seek Your face, proclaim Your name, and serve others as Christ has served me that I will store up treasure in heaven. Thank You for empowering me to do these good works by the gifts of faith and Your Holy Spirit. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care" (1 Corinthians 3:10).
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