Quest for a True Heart

Ross and Tearle sat down in New Jerusalem by the river. They had come together to work on a plan or schedule for meeting with Timothy while he was in the city. They didn't want to bombard him with their presence, but they did want to be there when he needed them. After deciding their times they sat overlooking the river. It was so clear and clean. It glimmered brightly, just like the clear streets of gold behind them. The grass was perfect and the homes magnificent.

After a while Ross broke the silence. "Amazing isn't it? You know, I never could have imagined this while I lived on earth."

"Yeah, the brilliance and beauty are just breath taking, but it is God's glory that shines through each level that makes it so amazing."

"Do you remember when we received our rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ?"

"Oh yes, it was like it was yesterday. We stood in line, it appeared to be so long, but it wasn't. It was as if we were before the King in an instant. I knew that our works would be examined; only those done for Christ would last. I knew we would have to give an account of our life, a report. I had always dreamed of hearing Him say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant.' I thought I had lived well, done my best."

"Yes, but I felt so humbled before Him. His presence was perfect and pure. My life looked so insignificant. Was the life I lived enough to count for Christ? Could any of my works, any of the things I did on earth make it through? I wondered if there really would be treasure in heaven for me. I had only lived a few short years on earth, had I made the best use of them that I could? Did I demonstrate His character, His likeness and fruit to everyone I came in contact with? But as He who is faithful has promised, there were rewards waiting for me. The people whom I was blessed to touch their lives on earth were my treasures for
God. He gave me a crown of rejoicing, so grateful am I that I could impact their lives and they too could be here. I praise Him for His mercy and grace. He forgave me for everything that burned up, many things that I thought would count, but did not add anything to His kingdom, yet, there were other things that counted instead, things I never realized. He gave me a reward far greater than I deserved. I have been so blessed serving Him over the territories that He has assigned me. I had an influence on a few on earth then, now I have a great many in the territories. God is so good that I can use my crowns to serve Him further still. My crown of glory and righteousness are gifts I use to serve Him. What a privilege to bring Him further glory!"

Tearle nodded his head in agreement, the gratitude and praise clearly showed on his face.