Scrutiny is essential in the building of the Ekklesia as the materials that are used have to reflect God’s divine and redeeming qualities if they are to withstand the fiery test.
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Let me tell you a story...
There was a King who had 12 children, six sons and six daughters. He was going on a long journey and tasked them before he left to build a palace that not only contained enough room for everyone but was fit for him to rule from.
He provided the blueprint and wanted the palace to be made with the most precious materials that were hidden deep underground. The date of his return was unknown. Immediately half of the King’s children began to dig underground for these precious materials day and night. The other half decided to complete what other business they were doing before the King set off and left.
Unbeknown to the King’s children he returned after many years to inspect the work and saw two palaces built. The first palace he saw was built according to his blueprint and made up with wood, straw and hay. The second palace likewise was built according to his blueprint and made up with precious metals and stones.
On the same day, a strong east wind blew and descended on the palaces. The first palace was destroyed with half of the King’s children in it, whilst the second palace remained. The King ruled in the second palace with his remaining children that took up thrones beside him as princes and princesses.
Does this sound familiar?
The Gospels are filled with similar parables that drive home the message that God expects his children to occupy His territory and build his government (house), as He will only reward those that obey his command until the end. But as human nature dictates, many who profess “Lord Lord” will decide to focus on other matters. Luke 14:18 God has left us with his blueprint (Bible) and has given us his grace (resource) to fulfil his work on Earth.
However, it is unfortunate that grace is not seen as one of the greatest resources given to God’s children, but solely as a safety net to escape judgement from ungodly living. John 1:16 If grace is a great resource and power used for the building of his Ekklesia then Hebrews 4:16 becomes a prayer that should be applied to the work.
I walk boldly into the throne room because I have been redeemed and the throne of grace is the seat of power. I obtain mercy as God delayed the wrath I deserved and extended his goodness towards me and covers my failures.
The will of God is to build his government on earth and for his citizens to fulfil this task. To do this I need his grace (resource) to uphold his laws and the time of need is now as the Kingdom of God is needed in this generation! As ambassadors of God’s kingdom, we should be concerned with the quality of materials that we are using to build upon the foundation of Christ.
In 1 Corinthians 3:10-15: Paul the apostle admonishes fellow citizens to be diligent about what and how they build and to remain conscious that it will be scrutinised. God declares that the materials: Gold, silver and precious stones will be examined by fire and endure whilst wood, hay and straw are combustible.
In order for the Ekklesia to remain a formidable force on Earth the Lord uses the characteristics of gold and silver to represent the standard of his work. These metals maintain density and even brighten under intense heat. They illustrate the need for malleability and durability from citizens who make up the ruling house. Citizens that get involved in this work, can be confident that the work will bear the test of fire on that Day.
However, many professing believers that involve their hands in work are focused on their own legacy, they are like wood, hay and straw. Which are flimsy, unsubstantial, worthless and will not bear the fire.
What is sad, is that many do not know if they are building the Ekklesia or not because they consider their new birth an entrance into a Religion instead of a Divine Nation.
The inspection of the work should begin long before the Day of the Lord is upon us and the mandate given to the patriarchs was to be “fruitful, multiply and have dominion (governance).” Therefore, every work that is laid should be examined in line with the mandate. In the process of sanctification the application of God’s Will is taking effect upon the individual.
Therefore, we should not negate the corporate sanctification that emphasises we should be our brother’s keeper and scrutinise each other’s work as found in Galatians 6:1-5.
