Ashes or Golden? July 21, 2011

Ashes or Golden?

Reading: I Corinthians 3:12-15, 12If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13his 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 man's work. 14If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

I am always intrigued when driving down a back road and all of a sudden seeing an old, rock fireplace and chimney standing alone in the middle of a field. My mind often drifts with curiosity to what the old house looked like before it burned down, how old it was and what the family may have lost in the flames. The stone structure stood alone symbolizing what once stood there, yet, all the things that were burned up were what we would consider valuable and full of memories. What remained was a simple fireplace and chimney. It can’t house anyone, it doesn’t contain photos of memories past, it doesn’t contain any “keepsake” to cherish forever… it is simple… yet, it remains. Someday “the Day” will come when our time on earth is evaluated by God and all things that we did in our lives are tested by fire. When that match is struck and starts to set your works a blaze, how much will remain as “gold, silver or costly stones”? How much will stay standing as work of eternal value – golden; and how much will be consumed as temporary fulfillment with no eternal value – ashes?

What are some things that you typically do in your day that would be considered ashes… because it would be consumed with no eternal value?


What are some things that you can do today that would be considered golden… because it has eternal value?



Today, ask yourself all throughout the day as you start to do something, is this ashes… or is it golden?

REVIEW

What were you able to change about your day in consideration of the temporary and the eternal values (ashes or golden)?


How did this impact your day?