According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds on 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 on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire (1 Corinthians 3:10-15 NAS95).
The ministry is fraught with pitfalls. Pride was the devil's downfall, and is near to every preacher and minister of the Gospel, professional and lay.
The minister preaches a powerful message, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Then, standing at the door as members leave, he is told how well he did. If not careful, he will start to think too highly of himself. He will start to believe that his success can be attributed to his clever outline or his forceful delivery. When he does, he has just laid combustible material on the foundation, ready for the proverbial fire.
Ministers need positive feedback. Their job is difficult. However, they need feedback that points them to Christ. Instead of saying, “That was a great message,” Try to share something that you learned from the message. Or how it blessed you. Or, simply say, “Thanks for the message.” Focus on the message, not the man.
The precious materials that will be rewarded are formed in the crucible of humility. When a man does all he can to point people to the Lord Jesus, to give Him all the glory, then he will be forging precious stones.
This is not a salvation passage, but it is a serious topic. Rewards and losses are in the balance.
Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE (1 Peter 5:1-5 NAS95).
For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Amen.
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