In our song book, number 680 —“Heaven Will Surely Be Worth It All.” That’s not just a song title; it’s a truth I’ve clung to for years. Every time I sing it, I’m reminded of two things: the sacrifices faithful Christians are called to make, and the eternal reward that makes every hardship worth it.

You see, the song doesn’t ignore reality. It says, “Often I’m hindered on my way, burdened so heavy I almost fall.” That’s not just poetic language—that’s life. But then comes that sweet reminder from Jesus: “Heaven will surely be worth it all.” Paul echoes this in Romans 8:18 and again in 2 Corinthians 4:17—that the suffering we go through now is light and momentary when compared to the eternal weight of glory ahead.

But let me be honest with you—some folks ask, “Is heaven really worth it?” That question doesn’t offend me, because I think it’s important to revisit what it actually costs to follow Jesus—and why it’s still worth it.

First, let’s talk about the cost of discipleship. Jesus tells us clearly in Luke 9:23–24, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” To follow Jesus, I have to deny myself. That means putting Him before my desires, my comfort, and yes—even before my own family. In Luke 14:26, Jesus says that if I put anyone ahead of Him—even my mother, father, spouse, or children—I cannot be His disciple.

I remember a couple Joanna and I once studied with. They were growing in the Word, attending church, and really making progress. But their daughter, involved in a denomination, threatened to keep their grandchild away if they continued in the church of Christ. Sadly, they gave in. I still pray for them. But that’s the kind of cross Jesus meant—choosing Him even when it costs us relationships.

Jesus asked in Luke 9:25, “What profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and is himself destroyed or lost?” I can gain everything this world has to offer, but if I don’t put Jesus first, I lose my soul.

There’s also suffering involved in following Christ. In Luke 14:27, Jesus said, “Whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.” That means I’ve got to carry the burdens, the temptations, the ridicule, and yes, even the persecution. Peter said in 1 Peter 4:12–13 not to be surprised when we suffer for Christ.

I’ve been ridiculed. Maybe you have too. I’ve seen Christians mocked, ignored, and even threatened for speaking truth. But even deeper than that is the disappointment that comes when fellow Christians stop showing up, stop serving, stop growing. It’s disheartening to see some treat Sunday worship like a checklist, coming for one hour and leaving everything else behind. And let me tell you—it weighs heavily on those who stay faithful. Those who murmur, refuse to serve, or attend irregularly make the load heavier for those trying to press on.

But even when I carry that burden alone, I do it because I know—heaven is worth it.

Look at Paul in 2 Corinthians 11:23–25. He was beaten, stoned, imprisoned, shipwrecked, and left for dead. And yet he endured because his eyes were fixed on heaven—a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. He wasn’t chasing comfort—he was chasing Christ.

Peter did the same. He looked forward to an imperishable inheritance, as he says in 1 Peter 1:4, and to a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13–14). John, exiled on the island of Patmos, suffered deeply but was given a glimpse of glory in Revelation 7 and 21—a vision of saints clothed in white, rejoicing before the throne, and a heavenly city where there’s no more pain, no more tears, and no more death.

So I ask you: Is there any comparison between a few years of hardship on this earth and eternity with God in heaven? No. None at all.

I believe if Paul, Peter, or John could stand before us today, they would tell us without hesitation—Heaven will surely be worth it all. And if your loved ones who died in Christ could speak to you right now, I believe they would say, “Keep going. It’s worth it. Don’t stop.”

So whatever the cost—whether it’s family conflict, ridicule, suffering, or loneliness—remember the promise. Let the words of this song echo in your heart: “Heaven will surely be worth it all.”

And I want to leave you with Hebrews 10:35–36: “Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise.”

Friend, stay faithful. Stay strong. Focus on the reward. Because one day, when you stand before the throne, you’ll know without a doubt—it was worth it all.