A believer’s life is built on the foundation of Jesus Christ. One way to think about this is that every motive, deed, and word is a building material for our spiritual house. All that we have said and done in Jesus’ name will be incorporated into this structure, but it will also include sin, negative attitudes, and good deeds done with wrong motives. Not all if it will last, however—someday, when we stand in the Savior’s holy and just presence, the only things that will remain are what we’ve done to glorify Jesus.

The apostle Paul warned believers to build with care because on the day of judgment, fire will test the quality of each person’s work—this refers to the purifying presence of Jesus Christ. The judgment of believers is about rewards. In the parable of the unrighteous steward, Jesus explained the basic concept to His disciples: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Our time on earth is the beginning of an eternity serving and rejoicing in the Lord.

Wise people plan for the future (Prov. 27:12). I want to receive as much of God’s goodness as He offers, so I’m determined to build with top-quality, enduring materials. The privilege of serving here is only the beginning of the rewards. In heaven, God’s generosity will be even more abundantly unleashed.