The Life We Build

Read: Galatians 1:10; Colossians 3:23–24; 1 Corinthians 3:10–15

Focus: Christ is the foundation; the life we build on that foundation matters to God. — 1 Corinthians 3:11

Key truth: Because we belong to Him, the way we use our lives matters.

Listening connections: “Godpleaser” and “Bema Seat.”

Devotion

Some questions grow more important with age. What am I doing with the life I have been given? What is driving my decisions? What will endure?

“Godpleaser” and “Bema Seat” bring those questions into focus. One directs our attention toward whose approval we seek. The other asks us to consider the lasting value of our work.

In Galatians, Paul refuses to alter the gospel to gain human approval. That is a searching challenge for anyone who wants to be liked. We may feel pressure to soften a conviction, exaggerate an accomplishment, or say what will make us welcome. Following Christ calls us to integrity, expressed with humility and love.

First Corinthians 3 uses the picture of a building. Paul is speaking directly about those building up the church, and he identifies Jesus Christ as the foundation. The work built upon Him will be tested. This invites us to examine the care and motives with which we serve.

We are saved by God’s grace through faith; good works are the life that flows from that gift (Ephesians 2:8–10). We do not need to earn our place in God’s family. Because we belong to Him, the way we use our lives matters.

Much faithful work happens without an audience. Listening to a child. Keeping a promise. Admitting an error. Serving someone who will never be able to repay us. Praying for a person whose circumstances we cannot fix.

God sees the love and integrity within those choices. They deserve our attention even when they bring no recognition.

Listening to these songs now, I hear an invitation to examine what I am building. There is still time to change my priorities. There is still someone to love, something to make right, and work to do wholeheartedly before the Lord.

Reflection

Where has the desire for recognition begun to shape your service or decisions?

Practice the path

Do one useful act of service without drawing attention to it. Offer it to God, and let the other person’s good be enough.

Prayer

Lord, search my motives with Your mercy. Thank You that I belong to You by grace. Help me build carefully on the foundation of Jesus, and teach me to value the faithful work You place before me. Amen.

Tomorrow: Hope That Grows Deeper