I placed my life before the King-
The tokens of my worth.
The pile reached high—so many things
Accomplished since my birth.
I looked around at other piles,
Some pitifully small,
And wondered at those offerings.
Were they worth anything at all?
My joy was overflowing;
I could not contain my mirth,
As I observed the wealth I’d gained,
While others suffered dearth.
The plaques for which I toiled and slaved,
The honors well deserved.
Then came my turn before the One
Who judges all the Earth.
I looked upon the Face of God,
Its brilliance pure and strong.
And suddenly, deep in my heart,
The gifts I’d brought felt wrong.
These were but vain and selfish gifts.
My anguish stole my song.
What did I have to offer Him,
To Whom all things belong?
I watched the flames, the Test of Fire,
And knew within my heart
Before the test was even through
That I had not been smart.
No second chance was offered
To work and do my part—
To tell the world of Christ’s great love,
No chance for a fresh start.
For God created every one
As part of His design
To do His work, to work His plan
With purpose most divine.
He created me a vessel
To spread His love abroad,
And now my heart had been revealed
As hypocrite and fraud.
Be ready for the Test of Fire.
The Test will come to all.
One life to live, to work His will
To hear His special call.
To share His love to all you meet
So God’s Redemptive plan
Is offered through a servant’s heart
To each and every man.
The Word is clear; the Plan is plain,
One Foundation strong and true.
Only what’s done for Christ will last,
To Him all honor is due.
The Fire will show; it will be known,
Presented in plain view
The genuine gifts of humble hearts,
The hearts that have been made new.
1 Corinthians 3:13 “The work of each [one] will become [plainly, openly] known [shown for what it is]; for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done.”