Message Minute (What Survives the Fire)

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:58

Not everything will survive God's final judgment, but some of our work actually will. Revelation 21 describes kings bringing "the glory and honor of the nations" into the New Jerusalem. That's human culture—art, music, architecture, discoveries—purified and preserved.

Paul describes it like building materials being tested by fire. Wood, hay, and straw burn up: exploitation, corruption, greed. But gold, silver, and costly stones survive; what's good, true, and beautiful.

Everything excellent created in this life that glorifies God will somehow be preserved and perfected in the next. The noble products of human creativity, cleansed from impurity, will become building materials for the glorified world.

This isn't about earning salvation; that's by grace alone. But our faithful work matters. What we build, create, and accomplish isn't thrown away. God will take it, cleanse it, and integrate it into His new world.

Nothing good gets wasted!

Reflect: What are you building with, gold or straw? What work in your life could have eternal value?

Prayer: God, inspire us to create things of lasting worth. Help us build with gold, pursuing quality and beauty that reflects Your glory. May our work survive the fire. Amen.