A reward lost

Hello everyone,

How are you doing on this day? I hope well and bubbling in the Lord. We thank God for His goodness, His faithfulness, His lovingkindness and tendermercies. He is indeed faithful!

Primary Text

“The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done. If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this test], he will get his reward. But if any person’s work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], … ” 1 Corinthians 3v13-15 (AMP)

There are two possible outcomes when our works are tested by fire. The first is that the work survives the test, and the individual gets his reward. The second is that the person’s work is burned up under the test, and he will suffer the loss of it and lose the reward. Ephesians 6v5-8 (NIV) says “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.” Beloved, what is your attitude toward work? The Bible is here saying that even if we are working for an earthly master, we should work as though we are doing it unto the Lord. It doesn’t matter if they are watching you or not, God sees everything. He is the One we serve and are ultimately working for.  

Supplementary Text

“Servants, obey in everything those who are your earthly masters, not only when their eyes are on you as pleasers of men, but in simplicity of purpose [with all your heart] because of your reverence for the Lord and as a sincere expression of your devotion to Him. Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, Knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [and not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [real] reward. [The One Whom] you are actually serving [is] the Lord Christ (the Messiah). For he who deals wrongfully will [reap the fruit of his folly and] be punished for his wrongdoing. And [with God] there is no partiality [no matter what a person’s position may be, whether he is the slave or the master].” Colossians 3v22-26 (AMP)

Prayer

Our heavenly Father, we thank You so much for Your Word. Thank You for Your goodness and faithfulness. King of glory, we ask for forgiveness for times we have done work shoddily, whether for the kingdom, in our work place, for our parents or towards any person of authority. We pray for the grace to be diligent in all of our affairs and to work as unto You and not any man. Thank You Father for Your goodness, in Jesus name we pray, amen.