ANXIOUS ABOUT THE ETERNAL REWARD.
By Vesta J. Olsen
Said a brother at our prayer-meeting not long ago, “I feel anxious about the eternal reward,” and the thought came to mind, How many are really anxious about this reward, and the events of the near future? We see men and women anxious about their farms, their homes, their plans for present and future welfare, but how many are equally anxious about their eternal home? How many are making plans for spending an eternity beyond these scenes of sorrow and care? How many are as solicitous for future good as for present welfare? We are living at the time when the solemn warning of the third message is going forth, living near the close of earthly scenes, and when the destruction of earthly wealth is soon to take place, still we see men careless of their most vital interests and caring but little for the favor of God. Does the glitter of earth’s gold outshine the splendor of the eternal riches? Do the passing pleasures and excitements of earth attract more than the joys at God’s right hand, which endure forevermore? Oh that we might have a just appreciation of the things which concern our peace and eternal welfare! Oh that our zeal and energy might increase as the cause of God advances! Says Jesus, “Take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be overcharged with surfeiting, and drunkenness, and the cares of this life, and so that day come upon you unawares.” While passing through this world, and having a proper care for the things of this life, let us be faithful stewards, and not forget that all these things are committed to our hands that we may glorify our Maker by the use we make of them. Let us put forth greater efforts to obtain the immortal crown than we would to gain earthly riches. Jesus is soon coming. We must have our treasure in Heaven; then our hearts will be there also. We must not sleep as do others, but watch and be sober. So shall we not be ashamed of our final account, but enter with joy into the presence of our Lord.