February 1, 2026

Only What You Do For Christ

Matthew 6:19-20 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

The executive’s corner office overlooks the city skyline—floor-to-ceiling windows, mahogany desk, walls lined with awards accumulated over three decades. Then comes the retirement party, the speeches about legacy. Within a week, someone else sits at that desk. Within a month, most colleagues have forgotten his name. The corner office belongs to a new generation with their own ambitions, and everything he built his identity around has moved on without him.

We may shake our heads at such corporate vanity, yet how different are our own pursuits? We build portfolios, chase accomplishments, accumulate possessions, and cultivate reputations—all hoping something of us will endure. Jesus reminds us that everything physical is ultimately subject to decay, destruction, or theft.

John put it plainly: “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” (1 John 2:17). Why channel our limited resources—time, energy, talents, treasures—into ventures guaranteed to disappear?

Paul wrote that our works will be tested by fire. “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is” (1 Corinthians 3:12-13). The question isn’t how impressive our achievements appear now but whether they contain elements that survive eternity’s fire.

This truth doesn’t devalue meaningful work or stewardship. Rather, it transforms our understanding of what makes them meaningful. When ordinary actions—from professional work to parenting, from community involvement to creativity—are done for Christ’s glory and according to His purposes, they transcend their temporal limitations. The corner office may be forgotten, but a cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name endures forever.

Today’s Prayer: Lord, redirect my investments toward what will last eternally. Amen.

Reflection Question: What are you investing significant resources in that may not have eternal significance?