Earthly rewards can bring temporary happiness, but the Bible reminds us to focus on eternal rewards. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture helps us prioritize what truly matters in life.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Being Unfair To Others
What Does The Bible Say About Earthly Rewards
Matthew 6:19-20
“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”
This verse teaches us to prioritize heavenly rewards over earthly possessions. Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable to destruction and theft, while storing up treasures in heaven brings eternal and unshakeable rewards.
We need to focus on investing our time, resources, and energy in things that have eternal significance, such as spreading the gospel, serving others, and living in obedience to God’s word, rather than being consumed by the pursuit of material wealth and possessions.
1 Corinthians 3:14-15
“If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of building our lives and ministries on the foundation of Christ. Our actions and works will be tested by fire, and those that withstand will receive rewards, while those that are deemed worthless will not bring any lasting rewards.
Even if some of our works are burned up and we suffer loss, as long as we have placed our faith in Jesus, we will still be saved. It reminds us that our ultimate reward is not based on our works alone but on our relationship with Christ and His grace.
Matthew 19:29
“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life.”
This verse encourages us to prioritize our allegiance to Christ above all earthly relationships and possessions. When we willingly let go of anything that hinders our commitment to Him, whether it be family, possessions, or ambitions, we are promised abundant blessings and the reward of eternal life.
While it may be difficult to make sacrifices for the sake of following Jesus, the assurance of His reward and the eternal blessings that await us far outweigh any temporal losses we may experience.
Matthew 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
This verse teaches us that even small acts of kindness and service towards others, especially those who belong to the family of believers, will not go unnoticed by God. He promises to reward even the smallest acts of love and care.
It reminds us that our acts of service, whether big or small, have eternal significance and are valuable in God’s kingdom. We should never underestimate the impact of simple acts of kindness and compassion in the lives of others.
Colossians 3:23-24
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.”
This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, our work and service should be done with excellence and wholeheartedness. Whether in our careers, ministries, or daily tasks, we should approach everything with the mindset of serving the Lord and not merely seeking the approval or recognition of people.
God promises to reward our faithfulness and diligence, and our ultimate motivation should be the knowledge that we are working for the Lord Himself, and our reward comes from Him alone.
2 Corinthians 5:10
“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.”
This verse reminds us that every believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, where our actions and works will be evaluated. We will receive what is due to us based on how we lived our lives on earth, whether it was characterized by faithfulness and righteousness or by disobedience and selfishness.
It serves as a reminder to live with eternity in mind, knowing that our choices and actions today have eternal consequences and will impact the rewards we receive in the future.
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in our relationship with God. To please Him, we must have faith in His existence and His promises. He rewards those who diligently and wholeheartedly seek Him, showing that our faith is not in vain.
It encourages us to trust in God’s character and promises, even when we can’t see immediate results, knowing that our genuine seeking and trust in Him will be rewarded in His perfect timing.
Revelation 3:11
“I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.”
This verse serves as a call to persevere and remain faithful until the end. It reminds us that our rewards are not guaranteed, and we must hold fast to our faith and diligently guard the eternal crown that awaits us.
There will be challenges and temptations that may try to sway us from our devotion to Christ, but we are called to stand firm and cling to what we have, holding onto our faith and the assurance of our heavenly reward.
1 Corinthians 9:25
“Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul compares our Christian journey to an athlete’s training and participation in games. Athletes give their all in preparation for a temporary crown, but as believers, we strive for an imperishable crown that will last for eternity.
It serves as a reminder to invest our time, effort, and energy in pursuing a lasting reward rather than being consumed by the pursuit of temporal achievements and accolades.
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
This verse highlights the blessing and reward that awaits believers who endure persecution and suffer for the sake of Christ. It reminds us that our sufferings and hardships are not in vain, but rather a means to share in the sufferings of those who came before us and to experience the greatness of God’s reward.
It encourages us to find joy and comfort in knowing that our present trials will ultimately be overshadowed by the eternal blessings and rewards that await us as we faithfully stand for Christ.
Romans 8:17-18
“Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
This verse reminds us that as children of God, we are not only heirs but also co-heirs with Christ. It means that we share in His sufferings but will also share in His glory. Our present sufferings and challenges cannot be compared to the indescribable glory that will be revealed in us when we receive our heavenly reward.
It encourages us to endure and persevere in the midst of hardships, knowing that the reward that awaits us far outweighs any temporary pain or discomfort we may experience in this world.
James 1:12
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
This verse emphasizes the blessing and reward that comes to those who endure trials and remain steadfast in their love for the Lord. It assures us that when we pass through the tests and challenges of life, we will receive the crown of life promised by God.
It serves as an encouragement to stay faithful and committed to God even in the face of adversity, knowing that our faithfulness will be richly rewarded in the end.
2 Timothy 4:8
“Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”
This verse expresses the assurance of receiving the crown of righteousness that awaits those who have eagerly awaited and longed for the return of Christ. It speaks of the righteous Judge, Jesus Himself, awarding this crown on the day of His coming.
It encourages us to eagerly anticipate and eagerly await the return of our Lord, knowing that our faithful longing for His appearing will be rewarded with the crown of righteousness.
1 Peter 5:4
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
In this verse, Peter refers to Jesus as the Chief Shepherd who will reward believers with the crown of glory that will never fade away. This crown symbolizes the everlasting honor and recognition we will receive when Christ returns.
It serves as a reminder to faithfully serve and shepherd others, knowing that our humble service will be acknowledged and rewarded by the ultimate Shepherd, Jesus Himself.
Matthew 10:41
“Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward.”
This verse highlights the principle of receiving rewards for welcoming and supporting those who are serving God faithfully. It emphasizes the importance of valuing and honoring those whom God has set apart for His work, such as prophets and righteous individuals.
It reminds us that when we honor and support those who are living according to God’s standards, we will share in their rewards and blessings from God.
Luke 14:13-14
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
In this verse, Jesus teaches that when we show hospitality and kindness to those who cannot repay us, we will be blessed and rewarded by God. He promises that our acts of generosity and compassion towards the less fortunate will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous.
It encourages us to have a heart for the marginalized and oppressed, knowing that our selfless acts of love will not go unnoticed by God and will result in eternal rewards.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.”
This verse emphasizes the principle that when we show kindness and generosity to the poor, we are lending to the Lord Himself. God promises to reward those who extend compassion and assistance to the less fortunate.
It encourages us to have a heart of compassion and to be actively involved in helping those in need, knowing that our acts of kindness have eternal significance and will be rewarded by God.
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
This verse exhorts us to persevere and not grow weary in doing good deeds. It reminds us that our continuous acts of kindness, service, and obedience will eventually yield a harvest and reward in due time.
It encourages us to remain steadfast and faithful in our walk with God, knowing that our faithfulness and endurance will be rewarded beyond measure.
Hebrews 10:35
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded.”
In this verse, the writer of Hebrews encourages believers to hold onto their confidence and trust in God. He assures us that our confidence in God and His promises will be richly rewarded.
It serves as a reminder to continue trusting in God’s faithfulness and to persevere in our faith, knowing that the reward we receive will far outweigh any momentary challenges or setbacks we may face.
Ephesians 6:7-8
“Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free.”
This verse encourages us to serve others wholeheartedly, with the understanding that our service is ultimately directed towards the Lord Himself, not merely for the approval or recognition of people. God promises to reward each individual for the good they do, regardless of their social status or position.
It reminds us to have the right motivation in our service, focusing on pleasing God rather than seeking the applause of people, knowing that our reward comes from Him alone.
Matthew 10:40-42
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
In these verses, Jesus highlights the significance of welcoming and receiving His disciples. He assures that anyone who shows hospitality and support to His followers will be rewarded just as if they were receiving Jesus Himself.
It teaches us the importance of honoring and supporting those who are faithfully serving God, assuring us that even simple acts of kindness and provision will not go unrewarded.
Mark 9:41
“Truly I tell you, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to the Messiah will certainly not lose their reward.”
In this verse, Jesus affirms that even the smallest acts of service and hospitality done for His sake will not go unnoticed or unappreciated. He promises that those who provide even a cup of water to His followers will not lose their reward.
It serves as a reminder that our acts of kindness and generosity, no matter how small they may seem, carry great significance in the eyes of God and will be rewarded accordingly.
Hebrews 6:10
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.”
This verse assures believers that God is just and fair, recognizing and remembering their work, love, and efforts to help His people. He will not overlook or forget the acts of service and assistance carried out in His name.
It serves as an encouragement to continue serving and loving others, knowing that our labor and love for God and His people are seen and valued by Him, and He will reward us accordingly.