This week I studied the parable of the laborers and about treasures on Earth as opposed to treasures in Heaven. Here is an overview of my studies and what I learned:
 Matthew 19:16-30; 20:1-16 Earthly & Heavenly Rewards

In Matthew 19: 21-22, we read that Jesus told the young man who readily kept all the commandments that in order to inherit Eternal life, I should sell al that he has and follow him. To this, the young man was sad and walked away because he had “great possessions” indicating that he was very rich. In Matthew 6:20-21 we read that we should lay up for ourselves treasures in Heaven- and that where our heart is, there will our treasure be also. This indicates where the young man’s heart really was. The Savior went on to say that those who are willing to make sacrifices will receive an hundredfold and inherit eternal life.

One way I can put the Lord first in my life is to make it a priority to pray to him morning and night. Also to ask him to bless me in the day to dedicate myself and my life to being and instrument in His hands and in the night to accept of my labors and sacrifices and forgive me my shortcomings that I may be found worthy to receive eternal life. I can be diligent each day to be ready to make right choices and willing to forsake the things of this world to help others as well.

Here is a chart that shows how we all receive the same reward for our labors in the Kingdom :

Hour Laborers Were Hired	How Much The Man Agreed to Pay	Hours worked	How much they were actually paid
Early morn	1 penny	12 hours	The same as the last
3rd hour	1 penny	9 hours	The same
6th hour	1 penny	6 hours	The same
9th hour	1 penny	3 hours	The same
11th hour	1 penny	1 hr	The same as the first

It doesn’t matter at what point we decide to do our part in the kingdom, just that we do what we are capable of when called upon. It doesn’t matter whether we come into the church at birth or at the end of our life, only that we serve the Lord diligently and willingly when called upon. I do not feel that the rewards of our labors in the Gospel are dependent on the amount of time or energy we have spent, just that we are willing to share in the abounding love and abundance of all our Father has for His children. Do we not want to see all of our brothers and sisters there with us?