1 Thessalonians 4:15

"For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep." (I Thes 4:15)

Through comforting the Thessalonians concerning mourning for the dead, Paul took the opportunity to teach them a profound lesson. The justice of God is embedded in this verse along with the lesson that no one has the substance to be boastful. Everything is in the hands of God. We may call Him, "Lord, Lord" but not get a response. We may be zealous in working for Him now, but where we will end up is uncertain. Therefore, we can never loosen up in cultivating ourselves daily. Our length of membership doesn't guarantee us seniority in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Think of everyday as the first day we work for a new boss. We would do everything to the best of our abilities. We would never slack off for fear of disapproval. We will not try to make any mistakes. We would put on our best behaviour to impress our boss. If we incorporate all those qualities in 'working' for our boss in Heaven, then we will surely not be shortchanged. If our boss on earth is worthy of our hard work and effort, how much more does our Father in Heaven deserve them.

A good illustration of this lesson is Matthew 20: 1-16. God is the landowner who hires His laborers. He agreed to pay a denarius a day for the morning laborers. Then he continued to hire laborers at the third, sixth, ninth, and eleventh hour. However, he only told them "whatever is right you will receive". At the end, all the laborers received a denarius regardless of the hours they worked. It might seem unfair, but the same applies today. God promised us the Kingdom of Heaven if we do according to His will. It didn't matter how long or when we believed in Him, as along as we believe. The reward we deserve will be awarded to us.