Will my ‘crop’ stand up to the test?

When I was in my teens, a vicious hailstorm came through our area. The stones were golf ball size but smashed through my uncle’s plywood pig shelter and killed some of his pigs. Our home, about two miles from his, had most windows broken and about two inches of water and glass on the kitchen floor.

My father had a crop of rye that year that was more than six feet tall. After the storm, it was less than six inches and basically worthless. I’m reminded of that stubble this morning with Tozer’s devotional. He says it is a solemn thought that some of us who fancy ourselves to be important servants in the kingdom of God may find ourselves standing before the judgment seat of Christ only to realize we have been busy harvesters of stubble.

This statement is based on a description of the bema judgment where the works God’s people will be evaluated. This is not to determine our eternal destiny because we are not saved by our works (see Ephesians 2:8-9) but a judgment of the value of what we have done after receiving eternal life through faith in Christ . . .

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire. (1 Corinthians 3:11–15)

Obviously, the wood, hay and straw refer to stuff that has no eternal merit and will be burned up. Tozer says this is about everything we do in our own strength — by means of our own abilities. These might look good and benefit people in some way for this life, but the quality of eternity is not in it. Only what is done through the leading and power of God’s Spirit will abide eternally.

Jesus gives me the same eternal power which He possesses. His Church receives the very Holy Spirit that lives and works in Him. The Holy Spirit is a gift, our eternal life. We not only accept Him and believe in Him, we also think, act and talk in His power — but not always. Sometimes I get the foolish notion that I can handle something in my own strength. I have selfish attitudes, blurt out thoughtless words, do things for my own benefit and glory. Sometimes I mean well regarding important issues, but haven’t consulted God and my good intentions are mere wood, hay, and straw or stubble.

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Lord, help me to confess what I realize I’ve done without faith. This is sin. However, I should not spend a lot of time or energy examining myself. This too is a job for the Holy Spirit. My task is to trust You, pay attention, and act according to Your word.