The Daily Word of Righteousness

My Reward Is With Me, #13

And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again. So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. (II Corinthians 5:15,16—NIV)

The only way by which any human being can be related properly to God and to other people is through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Whether man to God, wife to husband, parent to child, employee to employer, pastor to congregation, doctor to patient, no relationship will be constructive and edifying if the relationship is not appropriate. Only through Christ can relationships exist that bring about the desired result. As long as we are the captain of our own ship, so to speak, the best of relationships will crumble at last.

Sometimes Heaven is pictured as mansions, backyards filled with diamonds, streets of gold. Such things could never bring lasting happiness. Only the love, joy, and peace that come through satisfactory relationships are of true value. All the rest is only window dressing.

Some have exulted in the idea of visiting other planets after we die. This is unrealistic. There is more love, joy, and peace in being at home with those you love than there is in exploring other planets.

If we finally succeed in colonizing the moon or Mars we will find there is no true joy there. We will bring our wars, hatred, jealousy, slander along with us. In fact, there will be bitterness on the space ship as we head toward the colony because of the adulterous flirtations taking place.

We are greatly deceived when we believe love, joy, and peace are found in things or places. They are found only in relationships that are established in the Lord Jesus Christ.

One of the greatest of all rewards that will be given to us at the return of the Lord is that of people to love. To inherit one person is better than to be given ten thousand heavens.

Lift up your eyes and look about you: All assemble and come to you; your sons come from afar, and your daughters are carried on the arm. (Isaiah 60:4—NIV)

As I have said many times, "I will trade my mansions for your people."

Actually, I wouldn't do that because I know the great loss you would suffer by trading your people for anything.

Just think! During the ages to come the saved nations will bring their families to us to be loved and blessed. The wealth of the nations, that is, their people, will come to us. There is no other wealth worth mentioning.

The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. (Revelation 21:24—NIV)

But there is another set of relationships of even greater value, and that has to do with the oneness of the members of the Body of Christ with one another and with the Lord God.

That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so the world may believe you have sent me. (John 17:21—NIV)

To be continued.