on rewards

We don't enough set our eyes on eternity. I was convicted of that last night, in pillow talk conversation that drifted into the morning hours. Kelly and I started talking about how we go about storing up our treasure in heaven and we reveled in the glory that God promises when he makes everything new, and I was deeply reminded of how much that today impacts forever when I walk in obedience to Jesus. The fuel for obedience, the hope that we cling to in suffering-- this all compassing knowing that God is the creator of purpose in our small, silent moments. My world changed when I learned that one day, I'll have a resurrected body. No arthritis or struggle with selfish ambition. One day, we will receive The Reward, to be with Jesus. I've heard our lives and our trials are like cups being hewn out, deeper and deeper, and I long to be increased in my capacity for delight in him. Each time he takes away a crutch or an addiction or a false love, there is more capacity for me to know and cling to him more. I long for more of that, for eternity, even when it hurts here. And how about the way I spend my days--my career--my life? God's word will last forever! The time I spend pouring over it, storing it away, being transformed by it now impacts not just today, but forever. Being obedient to speak Gospel truth or love another human could be used by a sovereign God to eternally redeem a soul for eternity. I will never regret obedience to my God. Keeping my gaze on this hope, not fading promises of earthly success or the greedy desires of my heart will fuel joy-soaked obedience.