While our children were growing up, our family had a small janitorial business to finance having them in a Christian school. We took the children with us, even if all they were able to do was gather the wastebaskets. One day the girls were less than enthusiastic about their participation. So, without really thinking it through, I told them: “If you work hard with a good attitude, when you graduate high school, mom and I will buy you a car.” I only promised that once, but they never let me forget it nor allowed me not to follow through on my promise.

Our Heavenly Father has a fantastic promise for every blood-bought believer. Referring to the time when we graduate from this life into eternity, I Corinthians 3:8 says “…every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor.” With absolute certainty, we are assured the Lord will handsomely reward us for service done for the Lord Jesus Christ after salvation. Reconfirming this confidence, the Apostle Paul tells us in I Corinthians 15:58: “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”

We should also comprehend our reward will be proportionate to our effort in service. As stated above, everyone will be given “reward …according to his own labor” (I Corinthians 3:8). If we choose to do little or nothing for the Lord after salvation, this will be reflected in little reward received. II Corinthians 9:6 states it this way: “…He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.” As a high school yearbook reflects one’s participation, or lack thereof, in school activities, our records in eternity will correspond with our service and reward. That makes it important for us to busy ourselves now with activities that will matter once we reach eternity. We can serve Christ by inviting or transporting folks to church, presenting the gospel, handing out gospel tracts, serving in the church nursery, teaching the Scriptures, assisting in youth ministries, giving faithfully, doing follow-up on visitors, befriending new comers to church, and much more. The limit on serving Christ is only our imagination and our willingness. If you properly desire reward in eternity, it is imperative that you choose to consistently serve the Lord now. Let today be the start of consistent service for the cause of Christ.