Matthew 6:19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth . . . (20) But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven . . .

Without specifically saying so, the following gives the impression that one can “store up” varying amounts of heavenly treasure. And consider this:

Matthew 10:41 Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man’s reward.

Does this imply a prophet will receive a different reward to an average “righteous man”?

(42) And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward.

A reward for a mere cupful of unheated water suggests that every tiny act will have its individual reward. Would we act differently if we realized that by our actions we are daily, even hourly, storing up or missing out on riches in heaven to be enjoyed for all eternity?

When Jesus spoke of the final judgment in which the “sheep” would be separated from the “goats,” all of the people – both those who were rewarded and those condemned – were staggered to discover that their actions were more significant in their Judge’s eyes than they had been in their own estimation (Matthew 25:37,44).

This suggests every relatively minor action will receive its reward.

I’m not suggesting we should become overly reward-conscious but rather that we realize that even what we are tempted to dismiss as insignificant acts are not swallowed up by the vastness of life but have eternal ramifications.

Other Scriptures hinting at varying rewards:

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

Romans 2:6 God will give to each person according to what he has done.

1 Corinthians 3:8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

Hebrews 6:10 God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

2 John 1:8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.

Revelation 2:23 I will strike her children dead. Then all the churches will know that I am he who searches hearts and minds, and I will repay each of you according to your deeds.

Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done.