My dad was a hard worker on our farm and in the factory but not necessarily a handyman. Sometimes when a tractor or furnace or plumbing failed, a neighbor or friend would offer to fix it. Dad offered to pay even though he knew he couldn’t afford as much as they deserved. But they wouldn’t accept anything; they just loved to help. He would gratefully say, “Thanks. Until you’re better paid.” I’m not sure what he meant. Maybe he or someone else would do something for them later.
Believers in Jesus who serve others because of their love for Him will one day be rewarded. Perhaps that’s a form of “until you’re better paid.” Jesus told His followers to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). Doing good to others may be one way to store up some of those “treasures.” He said we shouldn’t announce it “with trumpets”; if we do, that’s all the reward we’ll get (v. 2). We can be confident He sees us. The book of Hebrews reinforces this idea: “God . . . will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them” (6:10).
We don’t serve for rewards but rather because Jesus loves us and in response we express our love and praise for Him. What a blessing it will be to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” (25:21, 23).
