Have you ever wasted an hour or a day? I don’t mean by being lazy (although that too is unfortunate). I mean have you ever worked hard on something, only to have to start over? I’ve lost a few days’ work to computer problems over the years. And we’ve all been through all sorts of experiences of wasted effort. It’s one of the most frustrating things especially when you did well, but your coworker or teammate blew it. That’s tough. And you’ll never get that lost time or lost energy back.
HOWEVER. If you are serving God, He will reward you for all that you do for Him—and all that you re-do!
Paul writes that because the resurrection—OUR resurrection—is real, we will receive a full reward in Heaven:
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always ABOUNDING in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” 1 Corinthians 15:58.
Do you abound in the work of the Lord? After all, that’s the way to store up treasure in heaven. It’s an investment in your REAL future. (Start by tithing.)
I love how the Message puts it:
“Don’t hold back. THROW YOURSELVES into the work of the Master, confident that nothing you do for him is a waste of time or effort.”
How can we throw ourselves into God’s work? Help with children at church? Set up chairs? Clean up? Or maybe God wants you to bless a roommate or classmate, coworker, or stranger.
Actually, I’d start with the Bible and prayer every day. Ask God to help you make a plan, then stick to it. Then He will show you other areas where you can serve Him. And He will bless you in heaven even for the reading and prayer: that’s where it all begins for His children—time with God. Everything else He has planned for you will be revealed as you spend more and more time with Him each day.
Dear God, show us how we can serve you. Show us where we can THROW OURSELVES into YOUR work. You made us, You know our gifts and talents: show us how and where we can serve you.
ΑΩ
Household Words: 