Labor day is an American holiday that is celebrated on the first Monday in September annually. This labor day, as we rest from work, let us not fail to recognize that the work we do should be one that will not fail the test of fire when we finally stand before God and are judged out of the things which are written in the books, according to our works (1 Corinthians 3:15; Revelation 20:12). What does it mean that our labor (work) does not fail the test of fire?
The Ramayana tells the story of how Sita underwent a test of fire and agreed to be burned to prove her innocence (chastity) to her husband Rama, who suspected her of infidelity. No human is innocent and all have sinned and hence guilty (Romans 3:23). The only one who is imputed righteousness and declared innocent before God is the one who has believed in his Only begotten Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 4:24). And when one believes, the Spirit of God comes into their life to reign and when the Spirit of God is within a person, that person ought to Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and not do the works of the flesh which is contrary to the Spirit (Galatians 5:17). Those who do the works of the flesh, which is made manifest in adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings and such like shall not inherit the kingdom of heaven (Galatians 19-21). In other words, these works will burn in the test of fire, but those who Walk in the Spirt, doing the Works of the Spirit to bear the fruit of the Spirit will have their labor stand the test of fire.
Points to ponder:
So if we want to have our labor stand the test of fire, let us Walk in the Spirit and let the Spirit of God work in us, for us and through us. Will your works stand the test of fire on judgment day?
1 Corinthians 3:13-17 (KJV)
13 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.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
16 Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?
17 If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.
Revelation 20:12 (KJV)
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
