Philippians 4:17 Meaning: Investing in Your Heavenly Account (Eternal Rewards)
“Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the profit that accumulates to your account.” Philippians 4:17
Albert Einstein is reported to have said, “Compound interest is the most powerful force in the universe.” He was noting the power of compound interest to grow small amounts of money into much larger amounts over time. This happens because interest accumulates both on the principal and the previously earned interest.
In Philippians 4, Paul thanks the church at Philippi for a monetary gift. He reports that he has received it in full and is grateful for it. But he also wants them to know that his joy is not primarily for the money he has received but because he knows that their gift will accumulate to their heavenly and spiritual account.
What kind of heavenly account do we have? The Bible says that we have one. Jesus says that we can lay up treasures in heaven (Matthew 6:19, 20). He encourages people to give to the poor as a way to obtain a treasure in heaven that will never fail (Luke 12:33-34). Paul encourages Timothy to instruct people to be rich in good works so that they will store up heavenly treasure for themselves (I Timothy 6:17-19). I Corinthians 15:58 declares that “our labor in the Lord is not in vain.” Even the Old Testament indicates that it is to our advantage to serve God. Malachi says, “Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not” (3:18).
That God remembers what we do and rewards us for it is not the reason for our service. It is simply part of our relationship with God. We do not love people because they give us things. Gifts and service are a natural outcome of the relationship. We do not expect gifts from our loved ones, nor do we love them less when they do not shower us with presents. We give and often receive as a natural part of healthy and loving relationships.
What is the reward for serving God? The Bible constantly affirms that it is well worth our while to serve him. For that reason, let us do all we can to build our accounts in heaven. Who knows, maybe our heavenly accounts will also compound, because those whom we influence will influence others. My prayer is that each of our accounts will be overflowing on the day when all the balances are tallied. We can be sure of one thing. We can never outgive God.
We should also remember the statement by the second-century theologian Tertullian, who said, “Nothing that is God’s is obtained by money.” God has gifts, graces, and blessings he can give us that money cannot buy. It is those we should seek.