“Service for God will be rewarded. Those who dedicate their lives to His service are promised an invaluable reward” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 107).
“For every sacrifice made in His service, there will be a reward—abundant riches of grace” (The Desire of Ages, p. 249).
“Our reward for working with Christ in this world will be greater power and broader privilege to work with Him in the world to come” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 361).
The Basis for Evaluation
“The value of service to God is measured not by the length of time devoted to labor, but by the spirit in which it was performed” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 74).
“Their success in growing spiritually depends on the increase of the talents entrusted to them. Their future reward corresponds fully to the integrity and earnestness with which they serve the Lord” (Review and Herald, March 1, 1887).
“The Lord has a great work to be done, and in the future life He will give the very best to those who have served Him most faithfully and willingly here in this present life” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 330).
“Those who came into the vineyard at the eleventh hour were grateful for the opportunity to work. Their hearts were full of gratitude to the one who hired them; and when at the end of the day the master paid them for a full day’s work, they were greatly surprised. They knew they had not earned such a reward. The master’s kindness filled them with joy. They would never forget the reward for their labor. So it is with the sinner who, realizing his unworthiness, enters the Master’s vineyard at the eleventh hour. It seems to him that the time left for service is so short that he is unworthy of any significant reward; yet he is filled with joy that God has accepted him at all. He works with trust and humility, grateful for the privilege of being a co-worker with Christ. God is pleased to honor the spirit of such a worker” (Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 397, 398).
A Certain Reward
“He who has assigned to each a certain work according to his ability will always reward for the faithful discharge of duty. All instances of fidelity and devotion will be marked with special tokens of God’s favor and approval. To every worker is given the promise: ‘They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him’ (Ps. 126:5, 6, KJV)” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 5, p. 395).
«Even the weakest and most humble can obtain, which even the greatest and wisest may not. The golden gates of heaven do not open to those who exalt themselves. They will not be lifted before the proud in spirit. But the eternal gates will swing wide open in response to the faint touch of a child. Blessed will be the rewards of grace for those who have labored for God in simplicity of faith and love” (Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 404).
“In this life our work for God may seem almost fruitless. Our efforts to do good may be zealous and persistent, and yet we may not be destined to see their results. It may seem to us that our efforts are wasted. But the Savior assures us: our labor is recorded in heaven, and the reward will not be delayed” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6, p. 305).
(E. White, Christian Service, from the chapter “The Reward of Service,” pp. 380–383)
