Works – Enduring or Burned Up

In places like 1 Corinthians 3:10-15, we read about works that endure and works that are burned up. This seems concerning and a bit frightening.

Here is what I have come to see about this.

The works that are consumed with fire are those Jesus speaks about in Matthew 7:22. There He says, “Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?’” (NASB 2020) These are works of the flesh. They are religious efforts to merit acceptance and blessing from God and they are worthless.

The enemy loves to push this button. He whispers that we should be doing things we are not. He insinuates that we should be doing more than we are. He suggests that if we were “good Christians” we would be sold out to God and that would be evidenced by how much we do for Him.

Contrast that kind of behavior with His words in Matthew 25:37–39. In this passage, He said, “Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, and feed You, or thirsty, and give You something to drink? And when did we see You as a stranger, and invite You in, or naked, and clothe You? And when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’” (NASB 2020)

I’m sure you can see the stark difference here. These people were energized by Holy Spirit to do many of the same sort of things the religionists did. The difference here is that their actions came from their hearts to the point where they barely realized they were doing it.

Good works that flow from us naturally do not seem burdensome. They do not feel like obligations that must be carried out to avoid negative consequences. Rather, they feel like things we get to do in participation with our loving and compassionate Father.

Sure, we may work hard at such things. We may feel exhausted physically, emotionally, and mentally. Nevertheless, we find joy in them. They fit us perfectly and we find ourselves drawn to them.

This is the obedience of faith.
This is faith working itself out through Love.