Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value. 1 Corinthians 3:12-13
I am convinced that no person really likes being held accountable. Having someone keep you accountable to do the things you say you will do, like saying no to dessert or waking up at the crack of dawn to exercise, is not always pleasant, but it is vital. Often, we actually follow through and do the things we really want to do because we have someone to hold us accountable. Knowing that we have to answer for our actions makes all the difference. As we think about living the Christian life, Scripture clarifies that we will one day answer for the things we did on this earth and the way we lived our lives.
The apostle Paul knew that he would give an account for the way he lived his life one day. Here is what he said in 1 Corinthians 3. “Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials—gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person’s work has any value” (verses 12-13). In these verses, Paul reminds readers that we are building something with our lives. Because we are building something, one day it will be revealed what we built with our lives before God. The question is, will we take this seriously? We have been given precious time, and we will one day give an account for what we did, or did not do, with it. These are sobering words.
I do not know about you, but I want to build something good with my life. I want to be a part of building the kingdom of God with the words I say and the things I do. I have a feeling that you do, too. This means that you and I must be very intentional with our actions. We have to live each day purposefully building God’s kingdom by getting to know Him more and more and making Him known to the people around us. One day, we will give an account for this life we have lived. Let’s build God’s kingdom and make Him known around the world.
Before we can accurately build anything, we have to first know what we are building. This is true in our lives as well. Take some time to answer the question, “What do I want to build with my life?” Write down your answer. It is okay if it takes time to articulate your answer and write it down. Next, write at least three action steps to move toward that direction.
Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone.
Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!”
But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!”
Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.”
“Yes, come,” Jesus said.
So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted.
Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?”
When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. “You really are the Son of God!” they exclaimed.
After they had crossed the lake, they landed at Gennesaret. When the people recognized Jesus, the news of his arrival spread quickly throughout the whole area, and soon people were bringing all their sick to be healed. They begged him to let the sick touch at least the fringe of his robe, and all who touched him were healed.
