Before coming on the World Race, I struggled to read my Bible without it feeling like a task. I often got bored and lost focus. Although I heard from many about how fascinating the word of God was, I struggled to find the same feelings. Growing up in Sunday school, we were expected to go home and read the Bible as a part of our homework, I suppose this is probably where my disinterest began. Since being on the World Race however, I have found this new intriguing interest that I can’t explain. I am constantly in awe of all the things the Bible is continually teaching me. Even after listening to podcasts and reading Christian books, nothing teaches or amazes me more than the depth of the Bible. There is so much you can take away from just one section. Each verse has tons of meaning and truth hidden within. I love reading over a verse I’ve heard a million times and seeing it from a different perspective. It’s like I’m falling in love for the first time all over again. Recently I was reading in 1st Corinthians, Chapter 3, and discovered clarity on a question I’ve always been curious about. Here is what the passage reads verses 10-15 from the perspective of Paul (NIV version). From the perspective of Paul, verses 10-15 read:
“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. 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. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames.” (NIV)
For me, these verses clarified God’s expectation for our lives as believers. Though we are saved solely based on our faith, God desires for us to live an obedient life as His followers as well. The question that I always struggled with was whether or not a person is truly saved even when they he or she continues to lead a self-edifying lifestyle. I always wondered about those who didn’t necessarily weigh their actions against what they say they believe. Because if you truly believe what the Bible says is true regarding the sacrifice made for our sins, wouldn’t you want to dedicate your life to fully proclaiming that good news? Wouldn’t you want to be obedient to His word so that you can walk into the calling He has over your life? Of course only God can weigh a person’s heart, but it is refreshing to know the truth behind this question of mine. Though you may be saved simply by God’s grace and through your faith, those who are obedient followers will surely be rewarded. As a follower of Christ, you are promised an abundant life, so build your foundation upon that truth. When “the Day” (judgment day) comes, the Lord will evaluate each person’s contribution to building God’s kingdom here on earth. So are you going to be a person who builds with gold and costly stones or a person who builds with hay and straw?
