Many people who have done things for the Lord - no matter how little - will earn small rewards just because their stories were included here; something they did or said seemed worthy to be mentioned as I tried to encourage you. In the same way, anytime a minister uses an illustration, if the person was saved, when they get to Heaven their story can earn them a reward.
The greatest reward, though, is to have others say that they’re in Heaven because of you. One great consequence is that you can therefore train others to be as effective as you. And, you can inspire them to maybe even be more effective.
Notice I didn’t say greater. We shouldn’t seek the things of this world. Being effective means being the kind of person who can draw others to Jesus, who shows there is a huge difference between the way the world acs and the way God’s people act. Just like Christy Mathewson’s mother said; he didn’t have to be a minister to be effective. He just had to let the Lord use him in the best way he could.
How does a missionary wind up starting dozens of churches in one country? He trains his people to be effective. The ones who God calls to be leaders, he trains to either take over the work he started, or to go out to other parts of that country or around the world and start their own churches.
Your work is like that, as a young person. Except, your work is your family, and any friends – of yours or your siblings - whom the Lord may place in your path. If the Lord tarries, you may be able to be like one of those missionaries, having many seeds planted all over your town. The Lord can use you to change your community, your world. He wants to use you. He wants you to be excited about being on His team.
