What we do behind the scenes matters. Pastor and Bible teacher, Skip Heizeig tells the story of a carpenter with a long career of excellence who decided it was time to retire. His boss was sorry to see him go, and asked him to build one last house. The carpenter agreed, but his heart was not in it. He used shoddy materials, cut corners, and created an inferior product. When the house stood completed, his boss gave the keys to the carpenter and said he wanted him to have the house, as a gift for his faithful service over so many years.
If that carpenter had known he was building his own house, he would have built it differently. He would have taken more care.
What we do behind the scenes matters. Someone has described character as who we are, and what we do when no one is looking.
In a sense, everything we do is “building our own house.” How we live our lives is building for the future. When no one else sees our motives, or our honesty, God sees. He sees our giving, our prayers, and knows our priorities. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you (Matthew 6:4, 6, and 18).
Jesus tells us, Don’t store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy and thieves do not break in and steal (Matthew 6:19-20).
God teaches us to live with eternity in mind. Living with an eternal view is more likely to make things better on earth. God loves giving good gifts. When we are aware of the love He has lavished on us, it makes us want to respond to Him with love and gratitude. The love He showers on us overflows to the people around us. Christians love and care for their neighbors.
Living for eternity is not a matter of trying to earn our place in God’s family. We can’t do that. And we can’t make Him love us any more than He already does. When I consider my own children, there is nothing either of them could ever do that would make me love them any more or any less than I do now. Nothing. But when they were growing up there was more harmony in the family during their times of obedience. We rewarded their good behavior. God is a perfect parent. His love for His children far surpasses all my imperfect efforts as an imperfect parent. He has told us how he wants us to live, and He has promised to reward obedience.
What is done behind the scenes matters. One day we will all give an account for how we lived on earth. Believers will receive rewards for faithfulness. Let us remember that every day we are in some way contributing to our eternal home. May we build well.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV
How are you investing behind the scenes for eternity? How does it encourage you to know God sees everything? Please leave a comment below.
Blessings,
Phyllis
© 2026 Phyllis L. Farringer
Image by Sunrise from Pixabay
Thanks for the reminder that with God’s help, we can do our best. And I’m thankful He does what I cannot do!
I’m so thankful that it doesn’t depend on me. Not by might, nor power, but by His Spirit.