Wood, Hay and Straw - NEVER; Gold, Silver and Precious Stones - Our Motivation ALWAYS!

When our motivation is wrong, then our actions, no matter how good the outcome, will come to nothing.

If we serve with the intention of being seen and recognized, then our motivation is misplaced. Even though others may have been helped by our ministry, the result will be lacking as the foundation laid out of wrong motivations is made of wood, hay and straw. This foundation cannot withstand the test, because when it passes through the fire it will burn away.

Yes, there will be trials in life (sickness, disease, hurt, betrayal, divorce, etc), that will test our faith. If the foundation hasn't been laid by making Jesus Christ the foundation in which faith is derived, then our faith will not hold, but be destroyed during times of difficulty.

However, we who serve others must not be the light, no, we are only to point to The Light, having our only motivation and intentions be to build upon the true foundation, which is Jesus Christ, with gold, silver and precious stones...those things that can withstand the fire. It is our motivation to not be seen, recognized or lifted up to be anything other than servants of The Most High God.

It's quick and easy to lay wood, hay and straw, but it takes much more skill, effort and time to build with gold, silver and precious stones. May those who serve take the time in prayer, study, meditation and dedication to build those up to whom you have been sent to minister to with those things that shall last.

"According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 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. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." (1 Corinthians 3:10‭-‬15 NKJV)