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Christian Stones

     In Sunday school last Sunday we discussed stones as a metaphor for Christian discipleship.  In the Old Testament the jews erected "standing stones" to mark the spots where important things happened.  Think of roadside historical markers.  In the New Testament Peter writes that believers are supposed to be "living stones." (I Peter 2:5)  Our lives are supposed to be monuments to the glory of God.  Paul writes that we are to be precious stones whose quality of works will survive the fire, as opposed to wood, hay, and straw, works that will not survive the fire. (I Cor. 3:10-15)
     It is important to note that our sins are forgiven, whether they be sins of thought, word, or deed, or sins of commission or omission.  What is burned up in the fire are the works we do that we think are beneficial to the Kingdom, but are, in fact, worthless.  Let's say I compose a song of praise, but I am too ashamed of my faith to make it public.  It is useless to the Kingdom and will be burned.  Or let's say I browbeat a sinner, hoping to get him to change his ways.  He, of course, does not.  A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. I may think I have done something for the Lord, but I have not.  My effort will be burned up.
     We are commanded to do good works for the Lord.  These works will not save us.  Only our faith in  Jesus can do that.  But our works must profit the Kingdom.  Works can be useless or even detrimental.  If we want what we do to be counted as precious stones, we need to examine them and put them to the test to see if they really are worthwhile.
    The following are lyrics from a praise song I wrote years ago:

        Christian Stones

God Wants living stones.
God wants living stones.
To stand upright
And reflect God's light.
God wants living stones.

God wants building stones.
God wants building stones.
To be a part
Of the very heart
Of a church He calls His own

God wants precious stones.
God wants precious stones.
Works that inspire
And survive the fire
Before Go's judgement throne.


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