In the Light of the Aftermath

June 25/26

Choosing the Right Building Material

Dr. Charles Stanley

1 Corinthians 3:12-15


Believers build their lives on the Rock of Ages: Jesus Christ. Every motive, every deed, and every word is material for our spiritual house. The apostle Paul warned followers to construct with care because on the day of judgment, fire will test the quality of each person’s work. This refers not to a literal fire but to the purifying presence of Jesus Christ.


When I stand in the Savior’s perfectly holy and just presence, all the wood, hay, and stubble in my life will disappear. Good things done with wrong motives will vanish along with secret sins and bad attitudes. Only what has been done and said in Jesus’ name remains. And the moment the chaff is gone, we will see that God is right—those things didn’t fit the life of His child.


On hearing this explanation, someone usually says, “All that matters is that I get into heaven.” But that attitude is shortsighted because the judgment of believers is about rewards. In the parable of the unrighteous steward, Jesus explained the basic concept to His disciples: “He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much” (Luke 16:10). Our time on earth is the beginning of an eternity serving and rejoicing in the Lord. God will reward us with heavenly responsibility according to our faithfulness here.


Wise people plan for the future (Prov. 27:12).I want to receive as much of God’s goodness as He offers, so I am determined to build with top-quality, enduring materials. The privilege of serving is only the beginning of the rewards. In heaven, God’s generosity will be even more abundantly unleashed.


For more biblical teaching and resources from Dr. Charles Stanley, please visit www.intouch.org.

AFTERMATH

The skies lay low where You are

On the earth You rest Your feet

Yet the hands that cradle the stars

Are the hands that bled for me

In a moment of glorious surrender

You were broken for all the world to see

Lifted out of the ashes

I am found in the aftermath

Freedom found in Your scars

In Your grace, my life redeemed

For You chose to take the sinner's crown

As You placed Your crown on me

In that moment of glorious surrender

Was the moment You broke the chains in me

Lifted out of the ashes

I am found in the aftermath

And in that moment You opened up the heavens

To the broken, the beggar and the thief

Lifted out the wreckage

I find hope in the aftermath

And I know that You're with me

Yes, I know that You're with me here

And I know Your love will light the way

Now all I have, I count it all as loss

But to know You, and to carry the cross

Knowing I'm found

In the light of the aftermath