Hard work is rewarded … or it should be. If a workman is productive, his superiors should reward him with a wage commensurate with his efforts. That’s capitalism… the American way.
Is this theory applicable to Heaven’s economy? What does the Bible say?
“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each may be repaid for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” (2 Corinthians 5:10). What we do here will matter there. So, Jesus encouraged His followers to make an earthly investment that will pay a heavenly dividend. “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:19–21).
Clearly, we were saved to do good work (Ephesians 2:10), but this good work can only be accomplished by faithfully trusting in God’s gracious provision. “Without faith it is impossible to please God, since the one who draws near to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). When we serve the King faithfully, He gladly and graciously rewards our efforts!
We can be rewarded for service, and we can also be rewarded for suffering. “Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you, insult you, and slander your name as evil because of the Son of Man. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy. Take note—your reward is great in heaven, for this is the way their ancestors used to treat the prophets” (Luke 6:22–23). God is watching. He knows when we suffer.
He knows when we serve, suffer, sacrifice, and share. “Instruct them to do what is good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and willing to share, storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of what is truly life” (1 Timothy 6:18–19).
A faithful investment today will pay eternal dividends. God is the Rewarder.
“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).
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