1 Corinthians 3:1-15
Being preoccupied by their divisions, the Corinthians had made no progress. They were like poor school children stupidly arguing about who had the cleverest teacher or the best classroom. Paul tells them that being concerned about the servant rather than his teaching was childishness, it was to be still carnal (v. 3). How often we confuse the truth with the person who presents it. For example, if we listen to a particular servant of God having already decided that he has nothing to bring to us, we shall receive only what we expected.
Then the apostle outlines the responsibility of the builder. In the work of God, which is seen both as a field under cultivation and as a building, each worker has his own task. He can provide materials (that is to say different aspects of the truth): building up souls by presenting to them the righteousness of God (gold), redemption (silver), the glories of Christ (precious stones). But under the appearance of doing a great work, he can also build with wood, hay, stubble . . . work which will not withstand the fire. Yes, "let every man take heed how" (not how much) he builds on this unique, imperishable foundation: Jesus Christ.