Building God’s house

For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. 1 Corinthians 3:9 

It is common to refer to Jesus as a Carpenter,  yet the Greek word of Carpenter also means builder, and builder has prophetic significance since we are His temple of God and Jesus is the cornerstone. 

In today’s verse, Paul states that we are God's fellow workers in building God's house, of which Jesus is the foundation, and he goes on to mention different building materials in verses 12-14: “Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.”

During the appointed day, when we stand before God, "each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Romans 14:12.  In the end, God will bring to light all of man's work for a thorough examination, and gold, silver, and precious stones are symbols of our good works and faithful service, and our relationships with Him, while wood, hay and straw are symbols of our carnal desires which are temporary. God rewards those who build for His Kingdom and build relationships with Him. 

Building God's house with solid materials requires our obedience to God's word and the Holy Spirit, as well as fulfilling each of our unique callings. If God has called us to be His witness in the marketplace, create a godly family, or win souls in ministry, let us be a wise builder like Paul and build our lives on good and faithful service for His kingdom and build lasting relationships with God that can withstand the fire.  

Blessing prayer: We are your co-laborers and your building. May the Holy Spirit guide us to fulfill our calling and pray that keep us from building other houses in vain, in Jesus' name, Amen.