When I recently arrived to pick up our two-and- a-half-year-old twin granddaughters, I got quite the welcome. They called my name, gave me a big unsolicited hug, and sat on my lap. Then they took Grandpa by the hand and led me to the door. These little girls, to whom we gave life through our daughter, caused me great rejoicing of heart.

When the Apostle Paul addressed the saints at Corinth that he led to Christ, he told them: “…we are your rejoicing, even as ye also are ours in the day of the Lord Jesus” (II Corinthians 1:14b). It is amazing how often the Scriptures urge saints to serve the Lord in this life so they have the joy of reward in the hereafter. The Savior urged Israel: “…lay up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20). When these Jewish saints had only a “lukewarm” walk that did little to prepare for eternal reward, a rebuke was given. The Savior said: “…thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods…and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor…I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich, and (have) white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed…” (Revelation 3:17-18). While these Jewish saints had an earthly kingdom hope, the principle of serving the Lord with a view of eternal reward is the same for us today in the Body of Christ. The Apostle Paul told Timothy to “charge them that are rich in this world…that they do good, that they be rich in good works…laying up in store…a good foundation against the time to come” (I Timothy 6:17-19). All believers need to be serving Christ so they have reward reserved in eternity. This is what Paul was referring to when he told the Corinthians they would be his rejoicing in the Day of Christ. Likewise, he told the Thessalonians: “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming” (I Thessalonians 2:19)? These saints that Paul led to Christ represented the certainty of eternal reward and future rejoicing for him.

Will you have rejoicing over rich reward in heaven because you served the Savior and led others to salvation? Riches in eternity are far more important than riches on earth. Let’s get busy working for the Lord today.