[Wisdom of Solomon] Five Cups of Tea With Momናሙና

Where Is Your Reward?

One of the most common interview questions is, “Where do you see yourself in five years?” The interviewer is looking for a sense of drive and longevity, but five years is too far away for many people. We barely know our work schedule next week, much less next month or next year. Most people have tunnel vision and don’t healthily think about their future.

When you think about following the Lord, is there any hesitation? Do you pursue Him because you just want something from Him, or do you pursue Him because of what He has given you already? This last teacup serves to remind us that our goal on this earth is to be disciples who, in turn, make disciples. We are to continue the legacy of all who came before us.

The early church was known for its love, commitment, and generosity; these came from its members’ setting their hopes on heaven and the life to come. Though they would see some rewards here on this earth, those believers were more concerned with eternal rewards. They knew that nothing on this earth could compare with Jesus and the glory waiting for them. This was their motivation. Is it yours? Do you only think about earthly things that could fade, rust, or be destroyed? Do you look for heavenly rewards? In this past week alone, how many times have you just sat and meditated on the fact that this is not your forever home? The Bible reminds us that we are strangers and aliens to this world. Paul even talks about how he has crucified the world as the world has been crucified to him.

The goal is to focus on the things we can’t see, the eternal things. It is to be reminded that Jesus has eternal glory waiting for us, with which nothing in this world can compare. We must work for treasures in heaven, not for more money in our pockets.

Live so that others can see that you’re not like other people who are focused on what is only temporary. Instead, your drive for eternity affects the way you live now. You love differently, forgive quickly, hold no grudges, sacrifice, and seek others’ benefit above your own. You, indeed, are a servant of the Lord who counts everything as loss compared to knowing Him. This is possible. It just starts with the kind of rewards you’re looking to attain. You must wrestle with how precious Jesus is to you. Do you see your salvation as the greatest gift that could ever be given to you? It is, but it might just take some prayer and time with Jesus to really see it. Only then can you help others see Him in the same way.

Thought for today: Who are you pouring yourself into and discipling? Who are you intentionally preparing for eternity? What reward are you looking forward to the most?

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