“Only One Life…”

The foundation matters.

Just ask a homeowner who’s out thousands of dollars to save his home. Without proper repair, small cracks caused by an unstable foundation will expand and compromise the integrity of the entire structure.

The building materials matter.

Wood, brick, concrete siding - whichever materials are used will determine the ability of a home to withstand strong storms and endure through the years.

A wise homebuilder ensures that the foundation of his home has been engineered properly, with no faults or irregularities. He chooses construction materials that will stand both the test of time and the test of the elements. And he seeks out workers and craftsmen skilled in their areas of expertise and committed to excellence.

With a strong foundation, the finest building materials, and an adept workforce, the result is a lovely home that’s structurally sound and serves as a safe haven for the family that resides within its walls.

In 1 Corinthians 3, the apostle Paul uses the word picture of a building to describe the church. He naturally begins with the foundation – Jesus Christ. Then he moves into the actual construction, explaining that every believer has a role to play in building God’s church. In this letter to the Corinthian believers, Paul instructs them to use only the finest materials. He reminds them that a Day is coming when Christ will judge the quality of their work. Tested by fire, only the eternal will survive the refining power of the flames.

Paul helps the believers to see that they are the actual dwelling place of God’s Holy Spirit. Their bodies are God’s sacred temple, and they’re to conduct themselves in a manner that honors that temple and the God Who resides there.

God has only one true temple in this world – in the hearts of believers. He’s chosen to take up residence there and pursue the spread of His kingdom through the works of our lives. The foundation is Jesus. We offer our individual gifts and talents to collaborate in His glorious, holy project. The stability of the church suffers if we bicker, envy, complain, boast or relate to each other in any other way than the way of Jesus – with humility, grace, sacrifice, compassion, and unity.

The Day of God’s judgment for believers mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3 will be an evaluation of our individual contributions to His beautiful church. There’s no fear in this judgment – we’re saved! – but God will reward each one for the faithful works we’ve invested in building a church that brings Him honor and glory.

Some things to consider in light of God’s calling to this high and holy task…

What’s your foundation? Have you based your life on the solid, firm, strong base of Jesus as your Lord and Savior?

What construction materials are you using? Are you employing worldly methods that won’t survive eternal scrutiny or are you building with godly wisdom and direction for God’s glory and approval alone?

How are you treating your fellow builders? Are you a team player, supportive and humble, encouraging others in their specific tasks and assignments?

How are you doing at maintaining a suitable dwelling place in your heart for the Holy Spirit? He’s not looking for a room at the Ritz-Carlton. He’s looking for a place where He finds delight and willingness for the Lord to build His kingdom in and through you. Roll out the welcome mat, and let the building begin.

“Only one life, yes only one, Soon will its fleeting hours be done;

Then in ‘that day’ my Lord to meet, And stand before His Judgment seat;

Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.”

- C.T. Studd (from “Only One Life”)