Romans 8:17 (NET): “And if children, then heirs (namely, heirs of God and also fellow heirs with Christ) – if indeed we suffer with him so we may also be glorified with him.”

Just this afternoon, I had a conversation with a young man who said he wouldn’t mind waiting to grow old before he lives a life that is fully committed to God. At that point, I knew I had to explain to him the benefits of knowing God from his youth because that is when he still has the strength to serve the Lord–service for which he would be eternally rewarded.

Today’s Bible verse reveals that we who believe will be heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ Jesus if indeed we suffer with Him so we may be glorified with Him. There is a dimension of glory that is stored up for all of God’s children, but only those servants who put their talents to kingdom advancement use and serve the Lord will attain that height of eternal glory. Salvation [from eternal damnation] is a gift and not a reward. But authority and ranking in the kingdom is a reward for faithfulness to the Lord and obedience to His call (see Luke 19:17, Matthew 16:27, Revelation 22:12).

Eternity is forever and ever, and we should care about our destiny there. Many people will be in the highest levels of God’s eternal glory for all eternity because they responded faithfully to the call of God and lived for Him–not shying away from the suffering it may incur on this side of eternity. But many others will not respond to the call. They will choose to live for themselves even though they have believed in the Lord Jesus. Even though many of such people will be saved through their faith in Christ, they will be saved as though through fire and would suffer loss (they would lose their reward–their ordained place of authority and glory in God’s eternal kingdom). Read 1 Corinthians 3:13-15.

Go into today remembering that glory and honor are stored up for those who live for Christ–sacrificing all and even suffering for him because of their resolve to fulfill His purpose for sending them into time.

Prayer: Holy Father, please help me live for you and fulfill your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

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