“Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is”. I Corinthians 3:13(KJV)
Our works on earth shall be tried by fire. Did you hear that? Our works on earth shall be tried by fire! This calls for sober reflection and save examination. It requires answer to some questions, such as these:- In our daily activities how do we work? How have we faired in service to the kingdom? What are our priority in our work schedule? How much do you enjoy the praise of men in your Christian work? What is your motivating factor or your driving force? Who are you looking up to in your Christian experience? There are many question that will help us to ponder over our Christian race and do a personal evaluation of our commitment to kingdom service. The bible says that the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire. Was your service to God true or was it a glory seeking exercise? Have you enjoyed the praise of men and glory in it and deny God the glory due him? Have you denied God praise as great encomiums were lavished on you for doing what God provided you with life, health and resources to achieve? Most people do things expecting a huge thank you and reverence from the recipient of their action. When such appreciation is not forthcoming, they get very angry. Others work assiduously in the church to be given title such as General Overseer, Bishop, Deacon, Youth Leader, Sunday school superintendent, Elder, etc, etc. loving the title more than God. They have become title seeking believers. That also is the reward they get. The question is, if you earn your praise and title here on earth, which is your reward, what additional reward are you expecting from God? The holy fire will reveal all our intentions and hidden motives behind all the services we rendered in the kingdom. Whether our works were the work of the flesh that were coated with a spiritual covering, that day will reveal. I shiver when I realize that I have been given glory instead of God for what the Almighty gave me power to achieve.
Many people had testified deceptively at the altar. They testify without mentioning the bribe they gave to win a contract. What of the brother that became committed just to win the attention of a sister. All these shall be tried by fire which will reveal the motives. Only the work done purely out of our genuine love for God and our fellow man will stand. In Matthew 23:5a(KJV) the bible has these to say “But all their works they do for to be seen of men:” I fear before the Almighty God. Whatever we do that is not motivated by the love of God will perish before the fire. How do you see that? My dear reader “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” – Galatians 6:7(KJV). What are you sowing and what work are you working?
Father, grant me humility to run successfully my Christian race at all time giving you glory.
Bro. Joel Ezeugo
