I find it interesting how much we focus on rewards in this life. There is an expectation that things "should" go a certain way. Especially when we are living our lives as we should before the Lord.
Yet James said, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." James 1:12
The crown of life. That's easy to read over isn't it?
Do we realize that the greatest of God's gifts to us awaits us in the next? Eternal life. That to have life in Jesus means this world will soon fade and we will step into eternity with him?
How much do we hold onto the things in this life? What are we willing to let go of in order to focus more on what really matters? What do we do with our time, talents and treasures? Where do we invest ourselves?
If we are looking only this life, the answer to these questions will be rather different, but if we are looking at investing in the Kingdom...
"Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." -Matthew 6:19-21(NIV)
