“Each one’s work will be shown for what it is, for the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.” [1 Corinthians 3:13 (NIV)]
One day, every one of us will stand before the Lord, with no condemnation, only the unveiling of the truth of our lives. Scripture tells us that the Day will expose the nature of our works, not through earthly scrutiny but by the fire of God’s holy examination. This fire is never meant to consume us, but to clarify, to test, and to reveal what carries eternal value.
Many believers spend their lives doing “good things,” yet Heaven asks a question deeper than the action itself. It asks: Why did we do it?
- Were our acts of service born from love for Christ, or from a desire for applause?
- Were our sacrifices offered to God, or used to build our own reputation?
- Were our ministries established upon His foundation, or shaped by our longing to be seen?
Jesus warned that there will be those who confidently present their spiritual résumé before Him and say, “Lord, Lord, have we prophesied in Your name? Cast out demons in Your name? Performed many mighty works in Your name?” [Matthew 7:22] Yet the Lord will weigh the heart behind the works. Motives that once seemed hidden will stand uncovered before the fire of God’s truth, some shining like refined gold, others disappearing like smoke.
This is why, in our daily walk, we must learn to pause and ask ourselves a simple yet powerful question:
“Does this glorify God, or does it glorify me?”
Allow this question to become the filter of your life.
Let it shape the way you serve, give, speak, and love.
Let it refine your thoughts and purify your intentions.
For only love, humility, obedience, and a heart fully surrendered to Christ will endure the flame. These are the gold, silver, and precious stones that fire cannot consume.
When the fire comes, and it surely will, may it reveal a life built on sincerity instead of performance, devotion instead of display, and Christ-centered obedience in place of self-centered effort. Imagine the moment when everything temporary falls away, and what remains is a testimony that truly honored Him. What joy it will be to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” not because our deeds were impressive, but because our hearts were pure.
The Lord is never looking for perfection. He seeks willing, humble, surrendered hearts. Those who serve quietly yet are fully known by Him. Those who love without craving recognition. Those who obey even when no one is watching. This is the work that withstands the fire. This is the life that brings Heaven glory.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Search my heart and purify my motives. Remove every desire that seeks personal glory, and allow my life to reflect Your heart. Teach me to serve with humility, to love sincerely, and to build upon the foundation of Christ alone. May Your refining fire reveal faith that remains steadfast, and may every season of my life bring honor to Your holy name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Author: Kimberly A.S Williams
