Are you familiar with the story about the aging missionary couple returning home on the same ship with President Teddy Roosevelt from a big-game expedition in Africa? They were discouraged because the President was getting all the fanfare and recognition on the ship as he returned home, yet no one celebrated or recognized this couple for the time they had spent in Africa pouring out their lives as missionaries. And they felt discouraged and forgotten as they got off the ship, walked down the plank and slipped quietly into the crowd, while the crowd greeted the President's arrival with great praise, adoration, and celebration as he returned home.

Have you ever felt like this couple as you live the Christian life? Unrecognized for the good work you have done while serving others? Discouraged because no one appreciates your efforts to live a godly life in an ungodly world? Frustrated because it seems that those who live for themselves are recognized, applauded, and celebrated while those who live for God are not?

That is because you're not home yet. As a Christian, the apostle Peter tells us we " are " foreigners and aliens here"; strangers just passing through (I Peter 2:11). In other words, we are not to treat our time here on earth as our permanent home, because our real home is with God, and he has rewards waiting for us when we get there.

What kind of rewards? In the article: Are There Rewards In Heaven Based on How We Live on Earth?, the Bible tells us about certain rewards, calling them ‘crowns’, that each of us will receive in the afterlife. We are promised a “crown of righteousness” (II Timothy 4:8); a “crown of life” (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10); and a “crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:4). We are even promised a new body to live in (1 Corinthians 15:35-58.

Four crowns and a new body to replace your worn out one. My, oh, my, what a homecoming!

Sharing the Word,

Jeaninne

Prayer: Father, when I feel unrecognized and unappreciated for the work I do for you, remind me of the rewards awaiting me when I get home. Amen.