well done, My child

i was just reminded about this a few seconds ago.

last week, my cell group was discussing about what life is about. we had 3 representations for life: test, trust, temporary assignment (3t's). and with this we discussed how we need to focus on the goal and not on temporary things on earth. as 2 Corinthians 4:18 has said, we need to focus on the eternal prize of Heaven, and not be caught up on the things in-between.

(i want to discuss another point about how i see life as a race too, but i think i'd leave that for tomorrow.)

and ko irvan asked each one of us how this can change our lives. i was really really tired on that day and so, i blurred out something without really thinking it through. however, the comments received was more than i expected. and i guess this is something quite big that i should address.

i suggested that we should not be proud of the praises we get from other people.

instead, i think we should keep our focus on God and just walk ahead to Heaven. what others say about you is less important that what God has said, is saying and will be saying to you. if you just focus on what God says, listen at appropriate time, check your heart, that's enough. (well, i'm not saying that you shouldn't listen to others... but can you always trust the flesh?)

relating to reaching Heaven, i read a book that asked a very interesting question at one point of time: what do you think will be the first thing that God will say to you when you reach Heaven?

of course, not knowing much at that time, i was confused when i wanted to answer this question. i didn't even know what i will say or do! will i hug Him? will i sing praises? will i give thanks? will i fall down to my knees and cry? i don't even know how i'm going to react?! how would i know how He would react to me?!

but then, i read on to realize that God has already got an answer for those faithful ones.

'Well done, you good and faithful servant!' said his master. 'You have been faithful in managing small amounts, so I will put you in charge of large amounts. Come on in and share my happiness!'
[ Quote from Jesus in Matthew 25: 21, 23 ]

'Well done,' he said; 'you are a good servant! Since you were faithful in small matters, I will put you in charge of ten cities.'
[ Quote from Jesus in Luke 19: 17 ]

but do you think He'll say that to you? have you been faithful? will He share His happiness with you? will He give you something bigger than what you already have? will He give you the golden ticket to come into His Heaven?

for me, i have been faithful in small matters. i have not been faithful in some bigger callings, but i'm trying to fit everything into my life first. i have the heart for prayer, though i have not found enough time to balance everything. but i have been faithful in spreading the Word of God through my blog. and i will grow one day when i pray every day and night.

i'm still growing. my thirst and hunger are not quenched yet. i'm not done. never done, until i reach Heaven.

but until then,
i know what God wants from us.
i know what God will say to us.
i know what God will give us.

so, keep our eyes on the prize. keep our hearts focused on what God will say to us. keep our hands and feet doing the will of God! keep your ears open that one day, God will say, "My child, you have been faithful to Me. come. I have opened up the gates of My House. come and rest. well done, My child... well done."

"just one moment here with You, means more than anything to me."
- lyrics of "secret place" by planetshakers