What will Jesus use to reference when evaluating our lives?
Our fruitfulness must be based on the foundation of Christ.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 1st Corinthians chapter 3:
11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
13 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.
14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward.
15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Any work or fruit that survives the fire of judgment will be rewarded. Any work that burns in the fire will be considered a loss. The test will be conducted as a “baptism of fire” to prove its worthiness.
The fleshly things will be burned, and the Spiritual things will be rewarded. There is only one set of building materials that will withstand the fire—the things that the Holy Spirit not only prompts in our lives but also does in our lives—the gold, silver, and precious stones. The fleshly things—the wood, hay, and stubble—will feed the fire.
Paul wrote by The Holy Spirit in 2nd Timothy chapter 2:
20 But in a Great House there are not only vessels of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay, some for honor and some for dishonor.
21 Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.
22 Flee also youthful lusts; but pursue righteousness, faith, Love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
And in Galatians chapter 6:
7 God will never be mocked! For what you plant will always be the very thing you harvest.
8 The harvest you reap reveals the seed that you planted. If you plant the corrupt seeds of self-life into this natural realm, you can expect a harvest of corruption. If you plant the good seeds of Spirit-life you will reap beautiful fruits that grow from the everlasting Life of the Spirit.
9 And don’t allow yourselves to be weary in planting good seeds, for the season of reaping the wonderful harvest you’ve planted is coming!
10 Take advantage of every opportunity to be a blessing to others, especially to our brothers and sisters in the family of faith!
“Good works” are those words, deeds, and actions that are not only prompted by the Holy Spirit, but also performed through the power of His Spirit. If, however, our works are done with the self-centered motive of being seen by men and applauded by them, then that becomes its own reward. There will be none other. Unconditional Love should be at the core of our motivation.
In Colossians chapter 3:
23 Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord Himself and not merely for others.
24 For we know that we will receive a reward, an inheritance from the Lord, as we serve the Lord Yahweh, the Anointed One!
25 A disciple will be repaid for what he has learned and followed, for God pays no attention to the titles or prestige of men.
Unfruitful branches are cut off from the Vine. We must pay close attention to the resulting fruit of our lives and repent of those words and acts which will not pass the test of FATHER’S Justice.
It is written by THE SPIRIT in Psalm chapter 89:
14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your Throne; Mercy and Truth go before Your Face.
My recommendation- be quick to repent of unfruitful words and works. Christ shall reward every man according to his work.
Jesus spoke in Matthew chapter 16:
27 I, the Son of Man, will one day return with My messengers and in the splendor and majesty of my Father. And then I will reward each person according to what they have done.