Colossians 3:1 states, “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand”

The second way you set your sights on heaven is by realizing that heaven has rewards. Rewards are motivating. Sometimes people do what they would rather not do because they know there is a reward at the end of the task. As a believer, you can have confidence that nothing you ever do for God is a waste. Keep your sights on the reality of heaven by realizing that heaven has real rewards.

Below are a few of the real rewards of heaven:

• You will be relieved of all the trouble of earth.

Revelation 21:4 “and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.”

• You will be with those believers who have gone before you.

1 Corinthians 13:12 Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

Heaven gets a little more attractive every year that I live because I have made more investments of people in that place.

Hebrews 12:1 states, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.”

• You will discover how your works on earth affected other people.

Revelation 14:13 “….. for their good deeds follow them!”

There will be many people in heaven who were affected by your obedience that you were never aware of. There will be people who were affected by your giving, your example, and affected by your witness. There will likely be people in heaven who rejected your witness when you presented it to them but then later turned to the Lord.

• You will be with Jesus.

Being with Jesus is the greatest reward of heaven.

In Luke 23:43, we see the account of Jesus conversing with one of the thieves on the day of the crucifixion. The thief asked if Jesus would please remember him when He came into His Kingdom. The thief on the cross was told, “Today you will be with me in paradise.” The greatest reward that heaven brings is the unending and unveiled presence of Jesus.

Today’s Challenge: Live today with eternity in mind. Set your sights on the reality of Heaven where you will be rewarded for everything you did for God. Remember that nothing you do for Him is ever wasted.