JULY 6, 1 Corinthians 3:13-15

I guess you won’t know many students who love examinations. Well, I’ve got an announcement to make: one day, all Christians would have an examination they can’t run away from! What would that be? Today’s verses tell us that if our foundation is Jesus, we would be saved. On top of that, we would be rewarded according to what we have done. One day when we have to stand before God for judgement, we would have to be examined on the good works or good things we do, or the kind things we think and say. Every Christian has to answer to God for his deeds done on earth. As for you, how will God feel about your works? Will He be happy or angry? As for you, how will God feel about your works?

John 12:1-8 speaks of a woman called Mary who did the best she could, and she was eventually praised for it. In those days, travel on the roads was not as easy and convenient. Paths were dusty and travel was hard. To show her love for Jesus, Mary poured a bottle of very expensive perfume on the feet of Jesus. Not only that, she wiped them with her hair! The perfume smelt so good that the house was filled with the wonderful fragrance.

However, one of the disciples scolded Mary saying that she wasted the perfume. Had it been sold, the money could have been used to help the poor. Upon hearing the disciple, Jesus praised Mary for what she had done, for her act was one of love and sacrifice. She was doing the best she could and Jesus appreciated her gift of love.

Child, you can start preparing for this “examination”. Reading and studying the Bible is one way. Another is to live out what you learn – by being kinder, being someone who thinks for others. Be like Mary, not shy in showing her love to Jesus. You should not feel shy if you want to show Christian love to others.

Thought: What are some things I can do to show I love Jesus?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, although I am already saved, one day my works will be judged. So please help me to do the best I can. Help me to be a real Christian – someone who not only knows what is in the Bible, but someone who lives by it. This is my prayer in Jesus’ name, amen.