Praise From Heaven: Why God Wants to Tell You “Well Done”

By Dwayne Moore

Rewards await God’s children. And God desires to praise us for our work on earth…

How did you feel reading that? Uncomfortable? Did you cringe a little? If so, you’re definitely not alone.

Most of us would rather focus on our current struggles than dream about potential rewards in heaven. We’ve almost resigned ourselves to just walking through life the best we can, hoping everything works out with God in the end. Even church leaders and those in the ministry of worship can feel completely unworthy of Jesus’ ultimate stamp of approval: those famous words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

But here’s the thing, it should be our life’s goal to hear those words.

Why We Struggle with God’s Praise

Through Jesus’ blood and power, we are made worthy and able to do what He’s called us to do! We shouldn’t feel guilty for wanting Jesus to commend us for how we’ve invested our time on earth. In fact, we should do whatever it takes to someday receive His praise.

And not for our own benefit, but because our precious Lord deserves the opportunity to give us that reward.

PAUSE & REFLECT Stop now and read the parable of the three servants in Matthew 25:14-30. Notice how the master commended the two loyal servants for investing the money he entrusted to them, but condemned the wicked and lazy one.

As you read, did you sense the master enjoyed commending his faithful servants? Put yourself in that master’s place. How would you feel?

Jesus Wants to Celebrate You

Our Lord and master Jesus Christ both desires and deserves the chance to shower us with praise for a job well done. He paid a tremendous price for us, and we owe Him that joy. He invested Himself in us, He died, rose from the dead, and at this very moment is interceding for us before His Father.

He is cheering us on, and He wants us to win, and win big!

Think about someone who poured time, energy, and resources into helping you accomplish a dream, your parents, grandparents, or a good friend who really wanted you to succeed. Maybe you had a gift for music, and that person invested in your lessons, came to all your concerts, and never quit encouraging you as you developed your abilities.

Then the day came when you had the opportunity to perform with a philharmonic orchestra or sing for thousands. The crowd is on edge as you step up. This is the moment you’ve dreamed of. And you don’t disappoint. You pour your heart out. The beautiful notes soar through the hall. The crowd goes wild.

But as you lower your instrument and take your bow, you’re not thinking about all those other people cheering. Your eyes scan the crowd for that one person who made it all possible, the one who sacrificed so much so you could have this moment. When your eyes meet and you see the pure joy and pride on their face, no one else’s applause even compares.

That’s how it is with God’s praise of you and me: Nothing will bring more pleasure to us, or to Him.

It’s Not Selfish, It’s Strategic

Striving for heaven’s rewards doesn’t mean we’re being selfish or unappreciative. The praise of heaven isn’t only for our benefit. Any crowns and praises we receive at the end of our journey ultimately bless our greatest supporter and friend, our Lord and Savior Jesus. Every honor we might receive only serves to make Him more glorious and reminds us of His awesome grace.

Now, I realize that implying that God would praise mere mortals seems strange to some. But according to the dictionary, the word “praise” simply means “the act of expressing approval or admiration.” God will enthusiastically commend those who show outstanding and faithful service, without giving up any of His own glory.

TRUTH BOMB God doesn’t lose glory when He praises us. Instead, He shows His incredible grace by choosing to honor faithful servants who worship discipleship and live out whole-life worship.

Rewards Aren’t Automatic

READ THIS NOW Turn to 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. Which building materials will survive, and what will the builder receive if they use those materials? What do those materials look like in our lives?

While many struggle to accept God’s rewards, others assume they’re automatic for all Christians. They think Jesus will stand at heaven’s gates saying “well done” to everyone who enters. But this is far from the truth. Many works will burn and not stand the test of Christ’s judgment.

Those who have placed their trust in Jesus will enter heaven and have eternal life (1 Corinthians 3:15). Salvation is based on faith, not works, on God’s grace, not our merit (Ephesians 2:8-9). Unfortunately, not everyone will have the privilege of hearing Jesus speak precious words of approval.

While heavenly rewards are determined by how we invest our lives on earth, it’s never about whether we deserve them. We don’t deserve heaven, much less special honors! But because of God’s mercy, every one of us has the invitation, opportunity, and possibility of being applauded by the King of Kings Himself.

Your Results May Vary, And That’s Perfectly Fine

COMPARE & CONTRAST Go back to Matthew 25. Read verses 19-23 again. Compare the two servants’ returns on their investments. Now compare the master’s response to each. What’s different? Or rather, what’s not?

I’m so thankful God doesn’t base His goodness to me on what someone else has accomplished! I’ve sat in sales meetings where my results were displayed right alongside the heavy hitters. I know how it feels to be compared to people with far more experience and skill.

There will always be Christians who have more spiritual gifts, more opportunities, and more outward fruit than us. Fortunately, God is only concerned that you and I take what He’s entrusted to us and make the most of it. If we do that, our heavenly “Boss” counts us just as faithful as the spiritual heavy hitters!

For Those Who Feel It’s Too Late

Perhaps you feel you’ve outlived your usefulness to the Master. Maybe you squandered earlier years and think the time left is too little, too late. Remember the loaves and fishes Jesus multiplied to feed thousands (Matthew 14:13-21)? Never underestimate how God can take your “little” and turn it into “much.” We too can hear “well done.”

For Those Haunted by Past Mistakes

Others reading this may feel past sins disqualify them from ever hearing “well done” from Jesus. Please listen: “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

God’s compassion and mercy are new for you today. Trust that Jesus has cleansed you. Don’t dwell in the past anymore! Today is the first day of the rest of your life, and your life has incredible value to God.

Your Declaration of Faith

Every one of us should look in the mirror and boldly speak these words: “I can hear the Lord say, ‘Well done’.” We need to repeat it with enthusiasm and gratefulness: knowing it to be marvelously true!

Let’s decide right now to stay faithful to our calling and invest our life: every last ounce and minute of it: for Jesus. Whether you’re a pastor or church leader or simply someone who follows God in your daily life, lose your life in Christ and settle for nothing less than receiving heaven’s praise.

The ministry of worship isn’t just about Sunday mornings. It’s about lifestyle prayer, godly vision, and worship discipleship that transforms every aspect of our lives. From vacation bible school volunteers to lead pastors, from worship missions to pure praise in our homes: every act of faithful service matters to God.

At Next Level Worship, we’re committed to helping church leaders and worship teams discover this life of faithful investment. Through our resources, coaching, and community, we want to see more women worship with confidence, knowing they’re building something eternal.

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My Daily Response

Be still now and listen to what God may be saying to you. Take a few minutes to journal your thoughts on these questions:

• What’s your attitude been toward heavenly rewards?
• Do you think it’s okay to want to hear Jesus say “Well done” to you?
• Does wanting God’s praise make you feel selfish?
• Honestly, do you believe you have a chance to hear Jesus say “Well done”?

Write your responses below:

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My Daily Meditation

This week, let’s focus on Romans 12:2: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do, and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is” (NLT).

Reflection Questions:

• What does this verse teach about the importance of thinking right?
• How might transformed thinking help you live worthy of God’s “well done”?
• What worldly patterns do you need to stop copying?

Journal your thoughts below:

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Ready to dive deeper into worship discipleship and whole-life worship? Explore our coaching opportunities and discover how Next Level Worship is equipping church leaders to hear “well done” from their Master.