How many things have we done in our lives only because we’ve been promised a reward?
Many things….. So many things.
As a parent, there are times we only make it out the door on time because we’ve mortgaged the future in candy as leverage to “just get you pants, shoes, and socks on!!!” How often have we, as students, asked, “Is this going to be on the test?” If the answer comes back as affirmative, you bet we wrote that stuff down! As adults we trade hours of our lives away for the reward of pay, benefits, retirement, and paid vacations.
Everything is about the reward, right? What about worship? Do we worship to get something? Is the only reason we act like Christians should act out of a desire for a reward? I mean, we do sing:
I’m satisfied with just a cottage below, A little silver and a little gold
But in that city where the ransomed will shine, I want a gold one that’s silver lined
I’ve got a mansion just over the hilltop, In that bright land where we’ll never grow old
And some day yonder we will never more wander, But walk on streets that are purest gold
Don’t think me poor or deserted or lonely, I’m not discouraged I’m heaven bound
I’m but a pilgrim in search of the city, I want a mansion, a harp and a crown*
Those lyrics from a hymn some of us know by heart (even without Elvis crooning it) do not speak of a people or faith based on sacrifice, submission, contentment, or selflessness. The way it sounds, we’re dealing with meager houses here in preparation for a MANSION in heaven! Not just a MANSION!!! But a GOLD LINED MANSION!!! That comes with a crown. We may as well throw in a purple robe and daily parade in our honor while we’re creating a check list for what we want heaven to be like.
Now I’m not disparaging the classic hymns for elevating the glory of heaven against the harshness of this world. What I am disparaging is the entitlement we feel for a reward for doing the bare minimum to qualify ourselves as believers or Christians. We want to be blessed beyond measure while sharing very little. Blessed, for many, means the path is ironed out ahead of us by government, or through financial securities.
Our perspective MUST change. Heaven will be glorious and is most certainly a reward for a life lived in Christ-like pursuit. It is not however a place being groomed and developed by groundskeepers and jewelers and masons and realtors and agents seeking the best views of the Crystal Sea for those who make it there past the rigorous judgment day.
If the only reason we worship on a regular basis, or serve with a modicum of generosity, or pray and fast is because we’re storing up jewels in our crown… we will be disappointed with Heaven. Heaven is not about us. It has never been about us. Heaven is about God and finally being with Him without borders or limitations.
It’s ok to want a mansion… but don’t wear the name of Christ on a weekly basis because it is assumed doing so will garner more rooms and a higher quality flooring.
Matthew 6:16 – 18 16“And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get.17But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face.18Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you.
*Songwriter: Ira F. Stanphill
Mansion Over the Hilltop lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol Christian Music Group
Tags: heaven I've got a mansion just over the hilltop Matthew 6 reward Sermon on the Mount streets of gold
