But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done. The fire will show if a person's work has any value. 1 Corinthians 3:13
In 1 Corinthians 3:13 the apostle Paul points out the importance of carefully choosing the elements with which each of us, not just ordained ministers, build. The material used to build matters, but also the kind of work done matters because fire will reveal if what has been built will endure or be destroyed on judgment day.
For the last four months, Virginia and I have been on the road for missionary itineration, visiting pastors, preaching, and teaching in different churches and locations. We are very much aware that the COVID pandemic and its consequences represented quite a test for everybody, including our communities of faith. We are also witnessing that some believers are not yet practicing the corporate spiritual discipline of physically gathering on Sunday to worship with others.
Could it be because:
- 1) they are not feeling safe or ready to do it?
- 2) they are not missing it or feeling the need of doing it?
- 3) they are not interested in doing it anymore?
Speculations increase to the point that we end up being spiritual judges of others and becoming experts in evaluating other people’s motives. Nevertheless, there is something that we all know from personal experience: when we are under pressure, what is hidden from the surface in our lives is exposed. As people of God, we are not the exception. The fire of the COVID pandemic has made it clear that we were not as godly, committed, and devoted to Christ, his Body, and His mission as we thought we were. Therefore, the challenge in this post-pandemic season is for each of us to reconsider the undeserved favor that God has bestowed upon us and reassess the quality of our work. Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love and good deeds.
God is the ultimate judge of our motives, the use or misuse of our spiritual gifts, conduct, and service. May we all work intentionally harder, empowered by His grace with the ultimate goal of one-day hearing, “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Itineration Ministry Highlights
Pray with us for wisdom, strength and anointing as we minister in churches. Pray many will partner with us to see the lives transformed.