“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, each of us will stand before the Lord, our lives an open book before Him. Scripture says, "The Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test what kind of work each one has done". That fire is not meant to destroy us, but to refine us, to test what we have built, and to reveal what truly carries eternal weight and lasting 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, while others fade away 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, and let it shape the way you serve, give, speak, and love. Let it refine your thoughts and purify your intentions. 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 rather than performance, on devotion rather than display, and on Christ-centered obedience instead of self-centered effort. Imagine the moment when everything temporary falls away, and what remains is a testimony that truly honors Him. What joy it will be to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant,” not because our deeds impressed others, but because our hearts were pure before God.
Remember, the Lord is not searching for the ideal human being, but He is drawn to hearts that are willing, humble, and fully surrendered to Him. He sees those who serve quietly and faithfully, even when no one else notices, but are completely known by Him. He delights in those who love without craving recognition and who choose obedience even when no one is watching. This is the work that withstands the fire, and the life that brings Heaven glory.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Search my heart and purify my motives. Remove every desire within me that seeks personal glory, and shape my life so that it reflects Your heart alone. Teach me how to serve with humility, to love with sincerity, and to build every part of my life on the foundation of Christ. May Your refining fire reveal a faith that stands firm, and may every season I walk through bring honor to Your holy name.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Author: Kimberly A.S Williams