Dear
neural , I am really sorry I brought up something the enemy has used against you. I didn't realize. I know what a horrible, big fat liar he is and how awful it is when he uses God's word against us. Please forgive me if I poured salt in a wound.
If it helps any, I think part of what we will be rewarded for is our heart toward him and understanding His sufficiency and not our own. Constantly crying out, "Have mercy on me, a sinner!". Man looks at the outward actions, but God looks at the heart. Here is an excerpt from the article above:
"For example, some of the crowns mentioned in Scripture are awarded to those who maintain a certain state, such as living in expectation of the Rapture or
striving to crucify the flesh and living a life characterized by holiness."
Since all of our deeds are filthy rags before him, the conclusion I have come to, for what it's worth, is that TRYING to do things for Him,
and then failing repeatedly, gives us a better understanding of how worthy He is and how desperately we need a Savior. It helps us to see the depths of our sin and unworthiness. I think that is what will be rewarded: how much did we depend on Him for whatever measly work we might be able to do here? Did I overcome yelling at my kids? (At least once?) It's only by His grace. Did I stop eating more than I should? It's only by His grace. Did I ask Him to help me fight for joy when I feel like all hope is gone? It's only by His grace. I think those who are given more responsibility in the Millenium will be those who understand His sufficiency the most thoroughly, and I think this understanding comes through
trying to invest what we have been given and thereby realizing how much we need Him.
For you will not delight in sacrifice, or I would give it;
you will not be pleased with a burnt offering.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.
Psalm 51:16-17
I think the heart that says, "Lord, I just want to be with you and I am hopeless on my own" is EXACTLY the kind of thing that will be rewarded.
