A co-worker told me about taking a walk near his home and noticing this imprint on a number of sidewalk slabs: "A. Anderson, 1903." That name and the date were indelibly inscribed in the concrete, indicating the year it had been poured and identifying the man who did the work.

If that contractor were still living, he could certainly be proud of his work. The concrete had not cracked in all those years. It had stood the test of time and had brought no shame to A. Anderson, the man whose reputation was attached to the workmanship.

As Christians, everything we do bears our name. Someday, depending on whether our works pass or fail the test, we will either receive praise and reward (1 Cor. 3:14) or experience regret and loss (v.15). How can we make certain that our service for Christ is the kind that endures? The way to be sure we are building for eternity is to build on the foundation of Christ (v.11) and to "do all things through Christ who strengthens [us]" (Phil. 4:13).

As you serve the Lord today, remember this important fact: The work that is worthy of reward is the work that endures.  — Richard De Haan