July 2023
Nougat 14
We continue with a more fulsome reflection from yesterday’s stream of consciousness in today’s Holy Nougat
“Whatever we build on this foundation will be tested by fire on the day of judgment. Then everyone will find out if we have used gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw. But if it is destroyed by the fire, we will lose everything. Yet we ourselves will be saved, like someone escaping from flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, 15 CEV
The Day of Judgement
Of course, we recognize that the response to testing yesterday was a bit off. I got fully sidetracked by the ‘testing’ and failed to see that this particular testing was for the hereafter. In other words, there’s one final test – after death.
Testing, Testing, 1-2-3
Testing
Although the metaphor used is about buildings and we refer to our bodies as the temple of God, ie God’s dwelling place, my understanding of what is tested is our lifestyle. The truth we lived while God was to have dwelled within us. One songwriter puts it this way
Testing
In the Gospels, Jesus offered the parable of the talents. A business owner had several associates. Something happened and the owner needed to leave town. Each associate was given some kind of seed for investment (see Paul’s Romans 12:3 reference to our spiritual gifts according to their measure of faith). Having gifted them, he left (to conduct the other business) with the assurance that he would return some day. The thing is, they were tasked with expanding the business by using the seed they had from the owner for investment. Was it a test, or an opportunity?
1-2-3
That answer is a matter of perspective. In another conversation with the disciples (John 15:15 or thereabouts), Jesus noted that the hired help is not vested in the employer’s business. The ‘test’ is not so much for the owner of the business who chose to trust the associates; as it is for the associates to determine whether they are hired help or associates. And that suggests that for the owner it was an opportunity – a fairly lucrative one. The business had the potential for great expansion and tone somewhat diversified; and the associates had the opportunity to ‘manage’ without the business owner hovering literally over them.
And they were not left powerless
They had the benefit of each other, if they so chose, as well as the seed that afforded them the opportunity to do great things.
What would they do? How would they respond?
From the looks of things, they didn’t join forces, and they invested separately. *Yet they all remained associates until the owner returned*! Was that a test? Hmmmn
Upon the arrival of the owner, there was the expected request for updates on the business. That’s where the gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw proves itself in the ‘fires’ of integrity and accountability. Rather than see just the physical return on investment we might also hear output – the value each associate added to the business by virtue of their own work. Great, mediocre, none.
Each has to speak for themselves.
Interestingly, as members of the company, each associate remains within the company, albeit at various locations. It’s possible to be stripped of the original investment when it is consumed by the flames of God’s Spirit that holds each accountable and still remain in the household. Or so it seems from our Nougat.
As for me, I’m not keen on being in the remote places from God’s presence, so I pray that my output will indicate my faithfulness in the face of the Great Test.
Testing! Testing! 1-2-3!
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May all we seek be found in Christ