I
was listening to a speaker on a video the other day who was discussing the idea that
some human creations or efforts will be represented in heaven one day. We like to think that those of us with
artistic ability will be able to put that to use as an offering to God on the
new earth, and perhaps those with gifts in science or mathematics will forever
discover and make known the wonder's of God's creation to His praise and
glory. If this is true, than the things
that we are working at now, may very well be preparing us for our future in
heaven.
But
then I thought about people like my dad, who find themselves working a job that
doesn't seem to have much eternal value.
Many people don't get the privilege of having a vocation that suites
their gifting or interests--yet they work diligently to provide for their
family.
I'm
reminded of the principle that is taught throughout the Bible that God looks at
the heart, and is not as much concerned with outward appearances and actions as
He is with the meditation of our hearts.
Not that my paintings and Sunday School lessons aren't beautiful in
God's sight, but that perhaps it is the effort or motivation which I may
utilize to create such things for His glory that really bring a smile to God's
face. And yet, how often I seek the
smiles of human faces first and foremost!
Like the Pharisee of Luke 18, I run the very great risk of receiving my
entire reward in full right here on earth, because people see my "eternal contributions" and praise them. Or even more perilously, because I see my "eternal contributions"
and esteem them! This, I think, is
the very great challenge and trial which those of us face, who are blessed with
the opportunity to serve God in the ways we love.
For
those like my father, the Bible offers this encouragement:
·
It is the man who lives out his days collecting taxes, in
Matthew 18, who Jesus says will be exalted!
Not because of the eternal significance of that vocation--but because of
the humble spirit it afforded him.
·
Matthew 5, one of the greatest passages for pointing out the
rewards God offers, speaks not of rewards for any physical action or creation,
but for attitudes of the heart - many of which result from struggle!
·
Romans 12:1 points out that it is the life of sacrifice that
is holy, acceptable, and worshipful to God.
·
Hosea 6:6 says that it is steadfast love and knowledge of
God that He desires in His servants--not tangible displays of service.
So
what will represent the life work of the tax collector, the gas pumper, or the
waitress in heaven? I would like to
speculate that perhaps the greatest tapestries adorning that great city will be
those woven with threads of humility, faithfulness, patience, and hunger for
God. Like the prayers of the saints that
are depicted as incense in Revelation 5, perhaps the spirit of servitude that
God alone sees in the man who puts in another hard day's work--day after day,
will be visible, quantifiable and cherished in heaven as the most extraordinary
of crafts presented to the King.
