“‘Why should I follow Scripture’s teaching on money and possessions when it is so much fun to have all the nice thins I want and do whatever I please with my money?  I’m a Christian, and I know I’m going to heaven anyway, so why get radical about the whole money thing?  Why not have the best of both worlds, this one and the next?’

Though few of us are bold enough to openly ask such questions, they accurately reflect a prevailing attitude in our society.  That’s why I’m convinced it’s necessary to deal with the subject of eternal rewards in this book.

The missing ingredient in the lives of many Christians today is motivation.  Given our false assumption that what we do in this life won’t have eternal consequences (apart from our decision to place our trust in Christ for salvation), it’s no wonder we’re unmotivated to follow God’s directions regarding money and possessions (and everything else).  When it comes down to it, what difference will it make?  According to the prevailing theology, everything comes out in the wash, so it won’t make any difference at all.  But according to the Bible, it will make a tremendous difference!  The doctrine of eternal rewards for our obedience is a neglected key to unlocking our motivation.

Moses ‘regarded disgrace for the name of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward’ (Hebrews 11:26).  Motivated by long-term reward, he chose short-term disgrace.

Paul ran his life’s race with his eyes on the prize, which motivated him to run hard and long.  He strove not to get a crown of laurel leaves that would rot, but ‘to get a crown that will last forever’ (1 Cor 9:24-25).  Paul was unashamedly motivated by the prospect of eternal reward, which he affirmed freely and frequently (2 Cor 4:16-18; 5:9-10; 2 Timothy 4:7-8).  He encouraged all believers to be motivated by rewards (Gal 6:9-10; 1 Tim 6:17-19; 2 Tim 2:5, 12).  Slaves, for instance, were to obey their masters in order to receive eternal reward (Eph 6:5-9; Col 3:22-25).

– Alcorn, Money, Possessions and Eternity pgs. 128-129