Treasures in Heaven

About a month ago Dustin and I rushed to bed one night, and didn't check that our car doors were locked.  Unfortunately, someone did check them...in the middle of the night...a thief...who helped himself to my wallet.  In the morning I called the police and cancelled all my credit cards.  It was a reminder to both Dustin and me that we need to be more careful in this world.  It also made me realize that nothing of this world is truly mine.  Of all the personal items I have, my wallet was one of the most important.  And now it was gone, at worst in the hands of a stranger, at best in the garbage dump.

The Bible says in Romans 14:10-12, "For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ"...."So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God".  In 2 Corinthians 5:10 it says, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."

Scripture assures us that Jesus will judge believers for what they did throughout their lives, both good and bad.  This judgment is known as the Judgment Seat of Christ or Bema Seat.  This is not the judgment that determines if we go to heaven, rather it is meant only for those who are saved through Jesus Christ.  It is an opportunity for Christ to reward his people for living for him on earth.  Believers will be given rewards based on their faithfulness during their lives.  These rewards will last for all eternity!   

It is important to remember that believers do not earn their entrance into heaven by doing good works.  Once we realize we are sinners and that we will never be good enough to spend eternity with a perfectly righteous and holy God, we understand that we have a problem.  Since we cannot earn our own salvation, we must depend on someone else to pay the price.  Jesus, God's only son, chose to leave heaven, live a sinless life on earth, die in our place, and rise again, conquering sin and death.  When God looks at those of us who understand this and accept it, he does not see our sinful lives.  He sees us through the lens of his son.  Our sins have been covered up by the sinless blood of Jesus.  Therefore, we do not have to spend our lives worried that we do enough good things to earn our way into heaven.  Rather, we do good things because we are so thankful for the free gift of salvation, that we want to please our father in heaven.

These good things will not go unnoticed.  We will receive our reward at the Bema Seat.  There Jesus will give us "crowns" based on our faithfulness to him.  Matthew 6:19-21 warns, "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Each day is a struggle to live for Christ.  I fail more often than I succeed.  It is so easy to get entangled in the things of this world.  It effortless to let my priorities shift or to fall into temptation.  

I am reminded of how fleeting the things of this world are every time Dustin and I get something new or spend time on home improvement.  It seems for every one weed we pull five grow in its place.  Our newly spread mulch looks nice, until the first rain litters the ground with leaves and twigs.  Our freshly painted walls are beautiful until they are nicked with Ridley's toy car.  My spotless kitchen sparkles until one meal is prepared.  Our new car was perfect until the windshield was cracked by a pebble before we could even dream of paying it off.  And so it goes...

All of the things we place such high value on are deteriorating at break-neck speed.  None of it will last.  The only thing that will last will be our relationship with Jesus and the things we do to show him we love him.  The sacrifices we make today will last throughout eternity.  1 John 2:17 says, "And this world is fading away, along with everything that people crave. But anyone who does what pleases God will live forever."     

My wallet was a gentle reminder that none of the stuff here on earth matters.  It doesn't belong to me anyway...it's on loan for a short time.  It's not easy to keep this in the forefront of my mind, but it truly is a relief when I can let go of the things of this world.  No stressing over our imperfect lawn...no yelling when spilled juice stains the carpet...no jealousy when others have nicer things than I do.  There is freedom in letting go of the stuff.  And this freedom allows me to treat others with love and compassion.

In Revelation 4:10-11 it describes people in heaven casting their rewards at Jesus' feet, telling him he deserves all the praise and glory.  Many believe once we receive our rewards, we will lay them at the feet of Jesus, realizing we could have done nothing of value without his sacrifice.  

I have often imagined standing at the Bema Seat, knowing that I had many earthly treasures, but very few stored up in heaven.  I can't imagine the sorrow I would feel, wanting to worship Jesus with my crowns, but having very few based on my life on earth.  This is motivation for me to constantly evaluate my life.  Am I living for myself or am I living for others?  How am I spending my time, money, and talents?  Am I wasting my life on the things of this earth that will pass away or am I storing up treasures in heaven?  

 It's not easy to keep this perspective.  Sometimes I really struggle to do it, just ask Dustin.  But it actually makes life more peaceful and joyful when I can surrender my things to the Lord and use them as he leads me.  

All of our sacrifices will be worth it in the end when we hear, "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!" (Matthew 25:23).

I love the message of this song House of Their Dreams by Casting Crowns...even the band's name is a reminder!