Peter made a statement ("Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee;" St. Mark 10:28) begging a question undoubtedly many believers have asked themselves at some time or another, what about us?

Jesus had encountered a rich young man asking what he should do to inherit eternal life. Jesus' first response to this query was ascertaining his obedience in applying the Ten Commandments, to which the young man answered he had kept them from his youth. Jesus then requested him to sell everything he had, give it to the poor and follow Him, touching the root of his problem. The young man cared more for his earthly riches than eternal treasure in heaven. After hearing what he was incapable of doing, the young man walked away sorely grieved because he had great possessions (St. Mark 10:17-22).

It was in the aftermath of Christ's discussion with the young man and his ultimate refusal to accept what Jesus offered that Peter mused — what was his reward after having given up everything to follow the Master? Let's face it and be candid, we're no different than Peter. We have renounce the world and sacrificed much for the sake and cause of Christ. We have denied ourselves and are suffering according to the scriptures to represent well our Lord and Savior. We bear the reproach of Christ and are following His commandments to the letter. After doing all of this, what's in it for us?

Take special note of Christ's response to the preceding question that is asked time and time again: "Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake and the gospel's, but he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life" (St. Mark 10:29-30.

Christ promises that we will be compensated for everything we have given up and sacrificed for Him. Our efforts and labors are not in vain (Galatians 6:9). We're not living holy and living a life pleasing to God just for "stuff"! Our relationship with God, "the things that pertain unto life and godliness, and the exceeding great and precious promises," (2 Peter 1:3-4) out-weigh any materialistic blessing! But rest assured, He promised and our walking carefully (Ephesians 6:15-16) will keep our blessings in proper perspective.

Christ closes with a word of encouragement and hope; "But many that are first shall be last; and the last first" (St. Mark 10:31). Those seemingly who are first in this life, living a life without God and having the best of everything, will be last throughout eternity. But those who belong to Christ and were persecuted for His sake will be first in heaven. God will correct all injustices and will determine the final and eternal rank and file.