Then answered Peter and said unto Him, Behold, we have forsaken all and followed Thee, what shall we have therefore? Matthew 19:27
Everybody listens to radio station WIFM! Because of who we are and how we are made, we are very interested in WIFM – that stands for What’s In it For Me. Every time we are asked to do anything, or are given an opportunity to participate in anything, we need to know what we will get out of it. Only a big reward or a substantial payment will induce us to carry out a difficult or dirty job. Sometimes the reward is monetary or material, sometimes it is just the satisfaction of knowing we have done something worthwhile, but we all want something for ourselves, otherwise we would not do anything. That is why students who understand the value that their education gives will do far better in their grades than students who see education as pointless and valueless. That’s why Peter wants to know what the return is for his decision to follow the Lord Jesus. It’s a good question, and one we should all consider.
The disciples truly had given up much to follow the Lord Jesus. Their fishing nets and boats might not seem valuable, but they represented their livelihood and their way of life. By joining His itinerant band, they had also left behind the comforts of cot and cottage, and the companionship of family and neighbours. Most of us, our full-time workers and missionaries excepted, have not done so much. In fact, much of what we have given up is all for the good. We have left behind the bad habits and sinful lifestyles that marked us before we were saved. We have left behind the bad companions that corrupted good manners, the wayward paths that were filled with sinful snares, the pursuits of pleasures that endured but a short season, the chasing of goals that had little more than a momentary fulfilling. It is true that some have experienced trials and setbacks in order to live for their Lord, but for most of us, life is better now than when we were in our sins. So in this life, with the joys of Heaven to anticipate, the fellowship of the saints to appreciate, the Word of God to enrich and satisfy, and the love of God to fill us with gratitude, we are definitely winners. One of the delights of being a Christian is the knowledge that our Lord appreciates everything that we do for Him, and has promised a reward for all that we do.
Being a follower of the Lord Jesus is rich compensation in itself. But God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name (Hebrews 6:10). -Jim MacIntosh