“And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.”  (Matthew 19:29)

Some Christians might admit to at least some fleeting envy, when they hear of their associates speak of business & investment successes, and how well off they are.  Many who are involved some way in Christian ministry have made sacrifices financially either for the sake of serving in the Kingdom of God, for supporting its work, or in order to live by the standards of God’s word instead of compromising for the sake of short-term gain.

But here Jesus reminds His followers of something very important: that everyone who has left family or friends, or “farms” — worldly possessions and inheritances and investments — for His name’s sake, “WILL RECEIVE MANY TIMES AS MUCH …”.   Here is a word of encouragement.  For all that you may have cut back, or given, or sacrificed financially, for the sake of holy living or for the work of the Kingdom of God — don’t worry; you have not really”lost” anything.  Jesus says you “will receive many times as much” when He is on the throne of His glory!  AND: (and this is far the bigger issue!)  you will also “inherit eternal life” — because you did not trade you soul for those earthly treasures.

The bottom line is: it is worth it to serve the Lord. Do not consider that you are “missing out” on something when you make any sacrifice for Him. Anything you give up for the sake of the Kingdom of God is not really a “sacrifice”; it’s really more of an investment, guaranteed to pay off one day, many times more in return!