Things Above Thought
TAT #26
Heaven’s Value System
“So how’s your TRUE BANK ACCOUNT looking?” That was the last line of last week’s TAT. No one responded to the TAT – that silence was a first. So to follow that disturbing (?) TAT let me quote our coming heavenly, judgement:
According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I (Paul) laid a foundation, and another is building upon it. But let each man (you) be careful how he (you) builds upon it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man (you) builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it, because it is to be revealed with fire; and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built upon it remains, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he shall suffer loss; but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:1–15)
Yes, our salvation is secure but there is more – there are many ETERNAL REWARDS and they will be secured in this life! Remember Shadrach, Meshach and Abed-nego, their lives were dedicated to God and their eyes were on Him not the fiery furnace. Because of that focus, when they faced the furnace they made great permanent deposits in their TRUE BANK ACCOUNT. Just as did the “others” of Hebrews 11:35b–38.
. . . and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
Living to glorify God is not always profitable in this life but it is always profitable!