As one gets older, he or she begins to reflect on past accomplishments. For Christians, this might appear as two lists; temporal and eternal. One might think that things of significance in the temporal column would far outnumber those in the eternal column. But would it really? Do we know what the criteria will be as Jesus evaluates the works we have done in this life? There are a few scriptures that may apply.
“For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.” (Mark 9:41)
“… I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” (Revelation 2:23)
“If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:14-15)
So once again, what is the criteria for receiving rewards in Heaven? Personally, I believe that the answer can be found in one verse of scripture.
“I, the LORD, search the heart, I test the mind, even to give to each man according to his ways, according to the results of his deeds.” (Jeremiah 17:10)
The greatest audit ever conducted will take place at the Judgement Seat of Christ. There the Lord will judge the works of those that have placed their trust in the atoning death of Jesus and been born again. He will discern the motives for those things we have done and reward us accordingly. Christians should be ministering with pure hearts out of love for their fellow man, but most of all, because they love their Savior.
C. S. Lewis once wrote, “It would seem that our Lord finds our desires, not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures…like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.”
After observing humanity, Lewis had come to the conclusion that most aim far too low. We should live in excitement and anticipation of the day when we will be in Christ’s presence prepared to receive our rewards. It is He who will measure our success and His judgments are flawless. His mercies endure forever. Oh what a Savior!