If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.

— 1 Corinthians 3:14

My wife is an accomplished pianist. On occasion we attend a local symphony. When possible, she arranges for us to sit in a location that gives a clear view of the pianist’s hands and feet. She watches the pianist’s movements with intensity and amazement. While I thoroughly enjoy listening to the symphony, my level of enjoyment pales in comparison to hers!

In a similar way, it seems, God’s children will enjoy varying levels of reward when they enter his kingdom in all its glory. Though everyone in God’s presence will be filled with wonder and joy, apparently some will be rewarded with more blessing and joy than others, based on the life they have lived here and now.

The important thing, though, as Paul points out, is to “build with care,” striving to base our lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ. As God’s children, welcomed into God’s family through the finished work of Christ, we are called to live like Jesus, following his example in all we think, say, and do. And we are called to do this in line with the gifts and resources we are given.

In our daily living, we are called to love God first in our lives and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:37-40; see also 25:14-46). God grants salvation by grace alone and not through works (Ephesians 2:8-10), but God also rewards his servants for their faithful service. What an amazing God we serve!

Lord, we marvel at your grace and mercy! You add blessings upon blessings, and we praise your holy name! Amen.