Heavenly Rewards

“For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?” 1 Cor 14:8

In ancient Israel, the sound of the trumpet carried great significance. It could announce a celebration, call the people to worship, or warn them of impending danger (Lev 23:24, Psalm 81:3, Joel 2:1, Zeph 1:16). If the trumpet’s sound was unclear or uncertain, the people would be left unprepared, unsure of how to respond. In the same way, if the message we hear today about heavenly rewards is unclear, believers may lose sight of the eternal, failing to prepare spiritually and instead focusing on fleeting earthly things. The Apostle Peter warned that “many through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of …” (2 Pet 2:3). A distorted view of heavenly rewards can mislead us into prioritising the temporary over the eternal.

Sadly, the message of heavenly rewards is not commonly preached in many modern churches. Few focus on the eternal treasures God has promised—those rewards that will never fade—while many prefer to pursue temporary, earthly possessions that can be lost or destroyed. Why has this shift occurred? It is because the hope of heaven should transform the way we live here and now. It motivates us to live righteously, to serve others, and to invest in what truly matters to God. Yet, many people doubt the reality of these promises, failing to set their hearts on the eternal treasures that await them. The greatest reward of believing in Christ is the promise of eternal life in the presence of God. However, Scripture also teaches that believers will be rewarded according to their faithfulness and obedience (Matt 16:27, Rev 22:12). These rewards may take different forms—crowns, responsibilities, or positions in God’s Kingdom—but they all reflect our heart’s priorities and our commitment to living out God’s will. In contrast, the “false gospel” promises that focuses solely on earthly success or personal gain, rather than eternal rewards. This shallow gospel can lead to spiritual apathy, where believers are more focused on the temporary comforts of this world than on eternal matters. The Apostle Paul calls us to set our hearts on things above, not on things of this earth (Col 3:2). Without the clarity of this message, we risk becoming spiritually lukewarm and indifferent, losing our zeal for righteous living and God’s work.

Jesus calls us to lay up treasures in heaven—imperishable, secure treasures that will last forever. These treasures reflect our true priorities and reveal whether our hearts are aligned with God’s eternal purposes (Matt 6:19-21). What we store in heaven will never decay, never be stolen, and will continue to yield eternal fruit. It is in laying up these treasures that we find our greatest joy, for they bring us closer to God and align us with His will. However, this does not mean that earthly life is to be neglected. The Bible teaches that everything we do should be for God’s glory (1 Cor 10:31). Thus, while we are called to focus on eternal rewards, this focus should not be a rejection of our earthly responsibilities. Rather, it transforms how we engage with the world, recognising that even in our daily tasks, we are to honour God and reflect His Kingdom values. In every area of life—work, family, and community—we can build treasures in heaven by living with an eternal perspective.

One of the greatest joys a believer can experience is the work of soul-winning. Jesus tells us that there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents (Luke 15:10). The joy of seeing a soul saved is shared not only on earth but also in heaven, where there is celebration over each life rescued from darkness. Those who take part in the work of soul-winning share in this eternal joy, knowing that they have played a part in the salvation of a soul. This work of soul-winning is not done alone; it is a partnership with God. As His ambassadors, we represent His message of reconciliation, working with Him to transform lives and rescue souls from eternal separation (2 Cor 5:20). There is no higher calling than to participate in God’s redemptive work, and the fruit of this labour endures long after the initial effort has passed. The work of soul-winning glorifies God and multiplies His Kingdom, leaving a lasting legacy of fruit that will continue to impact eternity.

The salvation of even one soul is of immeasurable worth. Jesus Himself asks, “What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). The redeemed will rejoice forever over those who laboured for their salvation, for the work done in partnership with God is eternal. Paul, too, expressed great joy over those he brought to Christ, knowing that their salvation would be a crown of rejoicing in the presence of the Lord (1 Thess 2:19-20). The work of soul-winning brings lasting rewards. It results in joy, both in heaven and on earth, as those who are saved and those who labour for their salvation rejoice together. Those who win souls will shine like the stars forever, receiving divine blessings for their efforts (Dan 12:3). As they labour in the gospel, they experience spiritual growth and deepened faith, seeing firsthand the transforming power of God at work. The fruit of their labour, the souls won for Christ, will remain forever, glorifying God and leaving an eternal legacy.

To begin laying up treasures in heaven, we must start with a shift in mindset. Begin each day by remembering that everything you do has eternal significance. Whether in your work, relationships, or personal struggles, seek to glorify God and align your actions with His Kingdom purposes. Share the Gospel with those around you, whether through personal relationships, community involvement, or global missions. Pray for opportunities to witness and trust that God will use your efforts to impact eternity. Support ministries, charitable works, and churches that are focused on advancing God’s Kingdom. Your time, talents, and resources are tools that God can use for eternal purposes. Strive to live righteously, avoiding sin and living in a way that reflects God’s character. The more we grow in Christlikeness, the more we store up rewards in heaven. In times of difficulty, remember that your labour is not in vain. God sees your efforts, and He promises that those who persevere will receive rewards that will never fade (1 Cor 15:58).

Let us, therefore, renew our focus on heavenly rewards and eternal values. As 2 Cor 4:18 urges, we are to look not at the things which are seen but at the things which are unseen, for these eternal rewards will endure forever. In winning souls and living with eternity in mind, we engage in a noble labour that brings glory to God and leaves a lasting impact on His Kingdom. Our labour in the Lord is never in vain, for what we do in partnership with God will never perish but will endure for eternity. As Rev 22:12 assures us, Jesus will reward each of us according to our work. Let us be steadfast and unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that our labour will bear eternal fruit.

Kay Alli