Jesus has already taught us that there is no such thing as a fruitless Christian (Matthew 13:8). We also know that we will be rewarded for our fruitfulness (I Corinthians 3:14-15). This is why Paul can rightly teach the church at Corinth to not just compete, but run to win the prize (I Corinthians 9:24). However, we must also notice that there is something Jesus adds that is not a reward, but instead an inheritance. Eternal life is never a reward to be earned, but a gift to be received. This proper understanding can now lead us to effectively interpret the parable that Jesus tells next.