Building Wisely

 

DEVOTION

THE 1^ST LETTER TO THE CORINTHIANS

BUILDING WISELY

1 Cor 3:10-15

10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 his 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. 14 If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. 15 If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames.

NIV

There is correct doctrine and then there is the doctrine devised by men. Paul says that he brought them the true gospel message by the grace of God. Again, we would consider this Greek word translated as grace, which carries the meaning of the divine influence upon the heart and how that is reflected in life. So then when Paul says that by the grace or by the divine influence of God, he laid a foundation as a wise master builder, or architect, as the Greek word architekton so implies. Here is where things can get dicey in the church of today. Just as in the time of Paul, there are those who are not master builders, or are not building on the firm foundation. There are those today who would teach rather about gold, silver, costly stones, or gems, or some other teaching that is all about man rather than God. We always have to be careful we do not get distracted by the ways of unwise men, or that we do not become unwise in the way we teach or share the message of salvation with someone. We too must operate by the grace of God and not from the mind of man. There are so many voices in this church today, all striving for a following in one way or another. Of want good is having a message if there is no one to listen? Many of these voices may be building on the foundation that was already laid, but there are always many who are trying to build something new, or simply use this already laid foundation to build something for themselves. However, as we note, it is not up to us to judge them, just discern their message, so as to be aware of any false teaching. God will judge the building methods, and materials and all who teach. It is imperative we always start with the foundation of Jesus Christ crucified, buried, and resurrected and has ascended to sit at the right hand of the Father. Anything else is like sinking sand, it will not stand. Jesus, himself has said that he is the resurrection and the life. It all begins and ends with Jesus. He is the Alpha and the Omega. Nothing else will stand. So let us be aware of anyone who is not a wise builder, as well as make sure we are being wise in building, making sure we are building by the grace of God.