God is worth it

"And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him."
-Hebrews 11:6

"By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward."
-Hebrews 11:23-26

"...and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better ressurection."
-Hebrews 11:35

"For this slight, momentary affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison."
-2 Corinthians 4:17

"For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us."
-Romans 8:18

"Peter began to say to Him, 'Behold, we have left everything and followed You.' Jesus said, 'Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or farms, for My sake and for the gospel's sake, but that he will receive a hundred times as much now in the present age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and farms, along wih persecutions; and in the age to come, eternal life.'"
-Mark 10:28-30

Wow. Sometimes I feel edgy about having the mindset of seeking the reward of God's promises, as if a truly godly attitude would be to content without them. I find it easy to relate to Peter and puff up my chest and say "Lord, look at all that I've done for you at loss to myself! Look at all my sacrifice! I'm not like the rich young ruler who is focusing all his resources on himself. Can you give a guy a little credit for all that I've done for You?" And yet in reality, as Jesus showed Peter, this stuff is nothing compared to being a child of God!

Its not wrong or self-centered to long for heaven and eternity with God, or to let the promises of God's word compel you to continue on in your spiritual walk. Actually, its very biblical! In actuality, to have this seemingly godly "Peter complex" is really to sinfully try to bring glory to yourself by proclaiming to all who would listen what a great servant of the Lord you are. Rather, God is glorified when we truly recognize how incredibly valuable He is and invest our entire lives to pursue the great treasure of Himself. It is foolish for us to mourn the "rubbish" which we have left behind "in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus." (Philippians 3:8)

I want the Lord to dash away the noble pride I have for the infrequent "sacrifices" I give him and give me a heart that is consumed and undiverted from this treasure that I have found.

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again, and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."
-Matthew 13:44

"Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips will praise You."
-Psalm 63:3