“Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.” (1 Timothy 6:18-19, NIV)
Paul’s promising heavenly reward. It reminds me of a couple in their 80’s had been married for 60 years. Though they had been active and healthy due to their strict diet and exercise regimen, before they died within days of each other. Upon reuniting in heaven, Peter gave them a tour.
They marveled at the beauty and splendor of heaven. They were most amazed at the banquet table. Every rich and delightful food could be found in abundance. “Where’s the lowfat / low cholesterol table?” the man asked Peter. Peter replied: “We don’t have one up here. This is heaven. You can eat as much as you want and you’ll never get fat!”
The man turned red and threw his hat on the ground. He turned to his wife: “If it weren’t for your bran muffins and forced marches, I could’ve been here 10 years ago!”
There are rewards in heaven! Not sure they’ll be exactly like this story, but they are very real. I’ve enjoyed studying the Bible on this subject for the last couple of weeks. I was surprised at the different types of rewards we’ll receive (for instance, 5 various crowns are listed). There’s “treasure” and “glory” and many more rewards.
But what I found even more amazing is just how easy it is to get these rewards. Most of us feel like heavenly rewards are hard to come by and rarely given – rewards are for people like Billy Graham and Mother Theresa. But look at Paul’s statement to Timothy again. Gaining heavenly treasure is as simple as doing good, being generous, and being willing to share.
Simple. Easy. So get out there and start laying up treasure for yourself!
