Tofu buildings

Read > 1 Corinthians 3:9-15

Anyone who builds on that foundation may use a variety of materials – gold, silver, jewels, wood, hay, or straw. But on the judgment day, fire will reveal what kind of work each builder has done (vv. 12-13).

A massive 8.0 magnitude earthquake rocked China’s south-western Sichuan Province on May 12, 2008. It was felt as far away as northern Pakistan and caused destruction in an area three times the size of Belgium. More than 70,000 people died and another 365,000 were injured.

Although the buildings in the quake zone were supposed to be constructed to withstand a 7.0-magnitude quake, more than 4.7 million houses and buildings collapsed. Authorities warned that those responsible for these “tofu” buildings would be severely punished (tofu = bean curd; meaning shoddy construction).

Solid construction is important in buildings and in our spiritual life too. Paul likened the Christian life to a building (1 Corinthians 3:9) and he gave two safety checks for a safe and enduring structure.

First, check the substructures. Every building rests on a foundation. Jesus Christ alone is our foundation (v. 11, also Acts 4:11-12). If He is the eternal Rock (Isaiah 26:4) upon which we build, we are indeed safe and secure (1 Corinthians 3:15).

Second, check the superstructure. Are we building a permanent or a temporary superstructure? The gold, silver, and jewels mentioned in verse 12 refer to the enduring quality of the builder’s work, and the wood, hay, or straw refer to the work that is temporary and inferior.

When we come before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10), our works will be tested by fire (1 Cor. 3:13). Of this judgment, one Bible teacher writes, “It is not a question of salvation, which is a gift (Rom. 6:23) … but of service, which is judged on the basis of quality, not quantity.” Another writes, “We aren’t saved by good works (Eph. 2:8-9) but we are saved for good works (v. 10).” Our reward (1 Cor. 3:14) or loss of reward (v. 15) depends on how we build. – K. T. Sim

More >

·         Matthew 6:19-21

·         Ephesians 2:8-10

·         Galatians 6:8-10

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What is the foundation of your faith? What “materials” have you been using to build on this foundation? Why?