I have been engrossed in the work, “Living Your Christian Life NOW in the Light of Eternity,’ which was the trumpet call of Pastor H.B. Kelchner [an A. of G. evangelist who went to be with our Lord in 1985]. Because it is a message from a half century ago, it revives in memory the spirit of the time when preachers could still talk about a divine judgment awaiting, even, believers. I have no interest in adjusting the tone of this biblical emphasis. In some way it needs to be revived in today’s seeker friendly religious atmosphere. It needs to once again be heard!If the word on the street in correct, the megachurch vision built on a positive message alone and devoid of any serious call to holiness is finally losing favor with many believers who appear disillusioned by its weak, even secular, approach to living the Christian life. Many are ready and wanting to hear the unvarnished truth about what believers are called to be in this life as a wise investment in the next!
It is time to take Jesus serious when He cautioned in His Sermon on the Mount, “… lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven …” [Matthew 6:20].
I have dear friends advising me to buy silver in anticipation of a predicted market collapse, which is a valid concern. But are Christians thinking clearly about that ultimate devaluation of everything they have worked for that had no eternal value? In the Beatitudes our Lord couldn’t have been clearer that following Him and living for Him brings eternal reward—notwithstanding the world about us hating us for it. [Matthew 5:12].
I am reminded of the “Parable of the Talents” in Matthew 25:14 following, where the resources each one has are still considered belonging to our Lord in Matthew 25:18. We are only stewards of the life He has given us and, apparently, He expects a return on His investment!
Perhaps, one of the most significant texts is 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 in which Paul alerts the child of God whose actions have been more about the material things of this life and not the rewards of the next.
“Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest:… because it shall be revealed by fire; … If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
I know! That word “reward” seems to conflict with grace which is unearned [Romans 4:4]. But as we like to say, “Faith alone saves but faith is never alone!” Even here in 1 Corinthians 3:10 Paul gives the credit of his ability to serve God in His calling to God’s grace: “According to the grace of God which is given unto me…” And living out the calling of God is what an invested life in Him is all about!
Our Lord’s pleasure in our faithfulness to His Word will someday be its own reward. Exactly what all this means, I am not ready to say, but think of standing before our Lord in the company of those who, maybe unknown to us in this life, watched our life, our faith, our love, and the Spirit used that to introduce Jesus to them—and here they are, whom Paul called his “crown of rejoicing.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.
Perhaps, we might paraphrase verse 20 “They have become our reward!”
