Continual appreciation, continual devotion, continual service and dedication, unquestioning trust, unswerving and total compliance.
And all in love.
These are not requests from the Living God, these are not decisions that we can make based on our own desires and choices, these are demands, commandments placed upon the entire human race, and they will not be modified or altered for anyone for any reason.
“I tell you, Nay: but, except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3)
There are no alternatives here, no other options, all of creation serves the will of the Almighty, those who choose to attempt not to do so in this life will suffer eternal damnation, with no hope whatsoever of a reprieve. Those who do so will, and have already, received eternal life in His presence, never to be cast away.
“I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.” (Jer. 17:10)
What we who have been born again can lose is rewards, and we will lose them, or not attain to them, if we do not in love devote the entirety of our lives to Him.
I do not know fully what those rewards are, I do not believe anyone alive ever fully has, but I do know this, some will receive fewer than others, and so I bring this today for your contemplation, and I do so with the finite mind of mankind.
How do you envision yourself reacting if you receive fewer rewards than others?
There will be, I would hope, great joy within us when we witness great rewards being given to those who truly did serve the Living God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength, who daily died to self and all the desires of themselves solely for His glory, those whose actions reflect the names of those in Hebrews eleven.
When we are glorified animosity, jealousy and envy will be no more within us, and so for them, we will rejoice. But what of you? What do you suppose your thoughts will be if you do not hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant,” but instead only hear “Welcome?” What if you receive not many crowns, but only one, perhaps not even one? What if right now your mind just said, “At least I will be in heaven?” How much is enough, what are you striving for?
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Matt. 23:12)
How much effort are you pouring forth in your daily walk with Him who will give you those rewards?
I guess the real question is this, is there remorse in heaven, are there tears because we will then see how much more we could have, should have done here for His glory? I think yes, and I really do not know how to encourage you to change that today.
We are not those unprofitable servants who will be cast out, we will reside in His glorious presence for all eternity. How profitable you desire to be has only one foundation, your willingness to serve solely for His glory. There should be no thought of competition here, do not attempt to compare yourself to Moses, Noah, Paul or Barnabus. Compare yourself today with who you were yesterday, and let the Lord know who it is you desire to be tomorrow.
“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” (John 14:15)
Fully, completely, and without reservations of any form. Those rewards are worth striving for, but they will only be given to those who do so, and have done so, solely for His glory.
