It Is Weight That Counts

"If any man buildeth on the foundation of gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble; each man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it is revealed in fire." - 1 Corinthians 3:12

It is weight that counts. Wood, hay, stubble are cheap, light, perishable. Gold, silver, precious stones are costly, weighty, eternal. Here is the key to Paul's meaning. God looks not only at the work done but at the material used, and readily distinguishes the solid from the superficial worker. The heavy metals, the gold of the divine character and glory, the silver of His redemptive work: these are the materials He prizes. Not merely what we preach, but what we are, weighs with God: not 'Where is the need most evident? What ideas and resources have I got? How much can I do?' but 'Where is God moving? What is there of Christ there? What is the mind of the Spirit in this?' When our work has that character we can be sure it will survive.

A Table In the Wilderness (by Watchman Nee 主僕倪柝聲弟兄)

Read the Scriptures: 1 Corinthians 3