Have you ever considered that many – including Christians – work on materials that cannot follow them into eternity? The artist may for months paint on a canvas – yet, when he dies, the painting will be left behind. The sculptor may chisel on a piece of marble or granite, or weld iron pieces together over a span of years – yet, when he dies, the sculpture must be left behind.
But consider for a moment the work of a righteous man – one who pursues a life lived for Christ. A righteous man will work on a material that will bear transferring into eternity – without any damage. His canvas for which he draws lines upon is his own soul. He has sought the best material to work on that will last when the rocks melt. For, he truly grasps the depths of the following Scriptures.
Ephesians 2:10,
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.”
Philippians 1:6,
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
Philippians 2:12-13,
“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.”
2 Timothy 2:19-22,
“Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity. But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour. If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work. Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.”
Equally true, the work of a righteous man in others will remain; it is cast deep enough, so that it shall be visible in the judgment. Matthew 5:14-16 declares the work of a righteous man in others. For it states,
“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
John 15:7-11 also states,
“If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; so shall ye be my disciples. As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full.”
Sadly, many “Christians” will work on objects that have no lasting value and consequently these objects will be left behind. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 typifies the end of works left behind [wood, hay, stubble] as well as those declared to be carried into eternity [gold, silver, precious stones]. The verses state,
“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
Let each consider the works of our hands – whether they are truly of the Lord, to be passed into eternity – or works that are not of eternal quality, and must be left behind.
