What Remains

What Remains challenges us to build our lives on eternal values, knowing that only what withstands God’s refining fire will bring lasting reward.

“Fire itself will test the quality of each one’s work. If anyone’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved.”—1 Corinthians 3:13–15 NASB

The world’s treasures capture our imaginations. The allure of luxury fascinates us. We can picture how worldly wealth might simplify our lives, bring us enjoyment, meet our needs, and free us from worry. It can be difficult to realize that none of these things will last or solve our problems.

Ecclesiastes describes the life of a man of great wealth who built houses and parks, planted vineyards, and possessed flocks, collected silver and gold, and indulged in any pleasure he wanted. Yet in the end, he realized “all was futility and striving after wind” (Ecclesiastes 2:11). His efforts did not profit.

Paul tells us that fire will evaluate all our works—everything we do, our possessions and resources, our accomplishments and accolades … everything! The Bible calls the things that will burn “wood, hay or straw” (v. 12). Although they can attract us and bring temporary pleasures, they won’t last.

By themselves, these distractions may not prevent us from spending eternity with Jesus, but Paul warned that we can lose our rewards if we make the wrong choices and allow ourselves to be swayed from what is most important to God—the things that last.

Today, think about the choices you’re making with your resources. Are you investing in wood, hay, and straw, or in things that bring permanent, eternal rewards? What will happen when your work is tested by fire?

Reflection Question: Are you building with what will last—or what will burn away?