Gladiator contains an inspiring scene set just before a battle. The Roman general Maximus exhorts his troops with these words: “Remember, what we do in life echoes in eternity!” He encouraged his men to conduct themselves with the kind of valor that would cause them to be remembered long after their death. But he also knew that their conduct in the present could affect their future.
In the parable of the talents, it’s easy to overlook this line: “You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities” (Matthew 25:21,23). Because of the servants’ past obedience and loyalty to their master, they were rewarded with more responsibility over much more than the initial treasures they’d been given (Matthew 25:15). Jesus used this story to show how things will function in the kingdom of heaven. As we follow Him and live out His instructions and plans today, it will affect the rewards and responsibilities we’ll enjoy in eternity! (Matthew 25:14).
The writer of Hebrews described Moses as one who turned his back on the riches of Egypt because he was looking toward a future “great reward” (Hebrews 11:26). And Jesus Himself, as He spoke to a great crowd of people, urged them—and us—to rejoice in being persecuted for Him, for “a great reward awaits you in heaven” (Matthew 5:12).
Now, it’s not that we should look for hardship to try and earn points with God. Instead, we should serve Him simply out of love and obedience. And as we do so, Jesus revealed that we’ll be entrusted with even greater things when He returns. As “heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17 NIV), may we serve Him with hearts full of love today!
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Matthew 10:16-42
More:
Read Ephesians 2:8-10 and consider what you’ve received from God and the right reasons for doing good deeds for Him.
Next:
What has God entrusted to you? How can you tap into the faith that He has provided for you to achieve its purposes?
Gary Shultz on July 15, 2015 at 6:10 am
I don’t know how others would view what has been entrusted, but to me two of the greatest is people and time. How I use time greatly affects how I tap into, or for that matter, drop out of the faith package God has provided. Spending time to be better informed with what God says and to stand in His presence prepares me better for the people part. Thanks
advocate31 on July 15, 2015 at 10:06 am
Isn’t this also about our spiritual gifts? Because we are blessed with certain gifts, God expects us to use those gifts for growth (of ourselves, and others). To whom much is given, much more will be required. Luke 12:48.
russell fralick on July 15, 2015 at 11:58 am
I think spritual gifts are included in the “package” here, yes. What I find more challenging though, is how we do our day-to-day life living with eternity in mind. Certainly the line about “to whom much is given much is required” is quite a sobering one for me, especially living in the affluent West, taking for granted my next meal, the roof over my head etc. For me, the challenge is how I live each day looking earnestly at the things of eternity…so often I am very easily distracted! Thanks for the post!
Tom Felten on July 15, 2015 at 10:50 am
Russell, I’m reminded again of the amazing balance we find in Scripture: “So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless” (James 2:17). “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God” (Ephesians 2:8). Our works don’t save us, but without works our faith is “useless.” May the Holy Spirit produce in and through us good works that honor God today!
russell fralick on July 15, 2015 at 12:03 pm
You are right Tom that there is so often a tension in the Scripture between two truths! It is hard to write about grace when I am aware we need to be people “doing” God’s work, and yet at the same time if I write about works I don’t want people to think I am an advocate of salvation by works! Clearly the fruit of our being His, is that we want to do things that honour Him, and tell those without Him of their need for Him, but this desire is out of our great love for Him and our gratefulness for what He has done. I think that those who truly rest in the finished work of the cross are some of the busiest people on the planet!
Ruth O'reilly-smith on July 15, 2015 at 3:07 pm
Russell, you’ve reminded me of a revelation I had as a young girl, about going through tough times. In hindsight, after coming through one particularly difficult time, i I realized just how beneficial it had all in fact been. I found myself cautiously saying, ‘bring on the tough times!’ Life experience has taught me that it’s not quite as simple as all that, but I agree that everything matters – the small, the big, the good, bad and the ugly. “Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity” – Colossians 4:5
russell fralick on July 17, 2015 at 1:54 pm
Ruth you raise a great point here! I, too, have found myself almost asking for the tough times, since it is clear to me that it is in those times that, on reflection, I saw the most growth in my life. I am also reminded however, of the film, Gladiator, and after the lines quoted in my article, Maximus carries on into the battle with the exhortation, “hold the line; Stay with me!” We need to stay close to our Saviour, and He will take us with Him through the tough times; we ought not to go looking for them by ourselves! But you are absolutely right: He uses the good, the bad and the ugly to develop us, glorify His name, and further His Kingdom, and if we have eyes to see and ears to hear, we will know it and be able to rejoice in every circumstance…I’m not entirely there yet!!