DAY 66

So another way that we need to reconsider our thinking about Heaven is concerning our treasures up there. Many have not considered anything further than simply arriving there. There are a couple of verses to consider though that point to the fact that not everything is equal in Heaven. Perhaps the better way to put it is that we forget that there is a reward system in Heaven. Just like we will be judged for what we do, we also received rewards for the things we have done for Christ while on this earth. Not that rewards should be our goal, but there are plenty of verses that remind us that there are rewards. First of all, if you go back and read the letters to the churches in Revelation chapters 2 and 3 you will see that in every letter there are rewards promised to every one that overcomes. In addition, Jesus himself, while He walked this earth, talked about storing up treasures in Heaven.

Matthew 6:19-21 “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.

Paul emphasized the importance of living to please God and reminds us that we will all face the judgement seat of Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10 So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

He also talks about whether our works will survive the eternal test and judgement.

1 Corinthians 3:10-15 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.

If what has been built survives, we receive a reward, if not we suffer loss, yet will be saved. So although we are all equal in God’s eyes when it comes to salvation, we will not stay that way after we stand before the throne of judgement.

So if we spend our time pursuing worldly pleasures or satisfying ourselves, our works will not survive the fire, but if our energy is focused on carrying out the plan of God, we will receive a reward, for those results are eternal.

I don’t know about you, but I want lots of crowns to lay at Jesus’ feet. I don’t want to just barely make it into Heaven, saved by the skin of my teeth as though only as one escaping through the flames like mentioned in that verse above. I want to lay my treasures in Heaven. That means that sometimes I will miss out on earthly pleasures, it may mean giving up more of my time than I had planned, it may mean not spending as much on myself or my family and giving more to others. It will likely mean giving up my own ideas and plans in exchange for God’s will and plan. But it will be worth it, both here on Earth and in Heaven above.

Jesus, help me to view all things through an eternal and heavenly lens so that I can wisely choose the right path and make good decisions. Help me to prioritize my life with eternal goals in mind. I want to please you and lay up treasures in Heaven instead of here, help me to do that. You know what it will take to change my thinking to line up with yours, please create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit in me so that I can follow you more fruitfully. Thank you for changing me everyday, I surrender to your will and give you all of my own ideas in exchange for yours. Thank you Jesus, Thank you.