The Unfair AdvantageSample

Here is a good reminder: life is short, but eternity is long. Our prayers work, but you might not see the fruit until you get to heaven. Our purity matters, but you might not see the reward until you stand before God. . . .

The fact is that your unfair advantage is not about earthly success. It truly is about the heavenly reward. My goal is not that man says, “Good job,” but that God says, “Well done.” If your goal is success in the eyes of men, you will never live fulfilled. This world is draining. But it is also not our home and not our prize. Heaven is.

Having kept that prize clearly in focus, Paul could proclaim near the end of his life, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing” (2 Tim. 4:7–8). Our lifelong goal and our ultimate calling is obedience to God. This is what we work toward and what we fight for even during the worst moments and the darkest days. This is what will be rewarded in heaven. We embrace our pain now, for the prize that is to come.

I hope you see a glimpse of the fruit on this planet but remember that fruit takes time. Life on this side is short. Plant seeds now. There is a heavenly crown that is better than the recognition given to any earthly dignitary. Live in such a way that the fruit of your suffering will far outlast the moments of your life.

Prayer

Lord, I am so thankful that you have given me the opportunity to serve you. Please help me keep my focus on you even when it seems as though the fruit of my work is hidden. Amen.