Every builder knows that the strength of a structure depends on its foundation. A house built on shifting sand cannot stand against the storms that come. The same is true for our spiritual lives. In 1 Corinthians 3:8–15, the Apostle Paul reminds us that each of us is building something with our lives—and one day, God Himself will inspect what we’ve built.
At The Open Door Church, Pastor Mike Sanders shared from this passage, teaching us what it truly means to build our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ, and how our faithfulness will one day be rewarded in heaven.
The Foundation Matters
“No other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:11)
The quality of any building begins with its base. The same is true of our faith. If Jesus Christ is not at the center of our life—if our identity, purpose, and salvation are built on anything else—then what we build will not stand. Careers, relationships, wealth, and even religious habits may seem strong, but they are temporary foundations. Only Jesus endures.
Pastor Mike shared, “Many people grow up thinking they’re great and there’s nothing wrong with them—but the truth is, all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. The only true foundation that leads to eternal life is the foundation of Jesus Christ.”
Like the parable Jesus told in Matthew 7, the wise man builds his house on the rock. When the storms come, he stands firm—not because of his own strength, but because of the solid foundation beneath him.
What Are You Building With?
Once the foundation is set, the next question is: what materials are you using?
Paul wrote that some build with gold, silver, and precious stones, while others build with wood, hay, and straw. The difference lies in what can endure the fire of God’s judgment. Our works—our time, service, and devotion—will one day be tested, not for salvation, but for reward.
God has not called us to be lazy, careless, or unintentional. Pastor Mike reminded us, “What we are doing is of great value, and it will be tested before God Almighty. One day you’ll stand before Him and give an account of your work for God.”
The materials we use are the attitudes, motives, and priorities of our lives. When we serve with eternal purpose, when we live with integrity and love, when we obey out of faithfulness rather than convenience—we’re building with gold and silver. But when our motives are selfish, or when we live only for temporary comfort, we’re building with straw that will not last.
Begin with the End in Mind
When constructing a building, an architect always works with a vision for the final result. Spiritually, we should do the same. Where do you want to be in your faith five years from now? Are you setting goals that strengthen your walk with Christ?
Pastor Mike shared, “Some people are just sliding through life, but I’ve got goals. I want to achieve and accomplish spiritual things. We evaluate those goals and push ourselves toward them.” Whether it’s reading through the Bible, developing a consistent prayer life, or serving in your church, every step of growth matters in eternity.
Focus on the Eternal, Not the Temporal
We live in a world obsessed with the temporary—career success, possessions, and appearances. But what God values is eternal. Pastor Mike challenged us: “Some of you will spend hours getting your kids to practice and games, but you won’t sit down and pray with them or make sure they’re being fed spiritually.”
Our children and families need to see that what lasts forever is more important than what fades away. Investing in eternal things—souls, faith, Scripture, and obedience—yields rewards that never end.
The Heart Matters More Than Appearances
God cares more about who we are becoming than what we appear to be. “The quality of your spiritual life is more important than the quantity,” Pastor Mike said. It’s not about how long you’ve been a believer—it’s about how deeply your heart is transformed.
We can be active in church, yet far from God in our hearts. But when we cultivate humility, purity, and faithfulness, we honor the Spirit who dwells within us. “Do you not know that you are the temple of God?” Paul wrote. Our lives should reflect His holiness in everything we do.
Faithfulness Will Be Rewarded
Though we do not work for salvation, we do work from salvation. Out of gratitude for what Christ has done, we serve faithfully, knowing that God sees and remembers every act done for His glory.
“Each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor,” Paul wrote. Some may choose to live as spectators in their faith, doing little to grow or serve. But others press on in obedience and sacrifice, and to them, Christ will one day say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
As Pastor Mike shared in closing, “The greatest reward we could receive is well done—signed, King Jesus.”
A Call to Build Wisely
Every day, we lay another brick in the building of our lives. The question is not whether we’re building—but how and why. God calls us to build with excellence, purpose, and eternal focus, with Christ as our cornerstone.
If your foundation has cracked or shifted, it’s never too late to rebuild on the Rock. Come as you are. Don’t wait until you feel ready. The invitation is open now—to trust, to serve, and to build your life on Jesus Christ.