Everyone in the community knew Carl. He was a farmer and family man whose dedication went beyond his own productive fields. He also was known for his greater dedication to what he called "God's harvest field."

Carl's neighbors sometimes considered him foolish, especially over his reluctance to work on Sundays. Instead, he would go to church, visit shut-ins, and focus on family life. Choosing God's priorities over crop priorities seemed foolhardy.

One Sunday, while neighbors hastily gathered their harvest before a predicted storm, Carl went to church as usual. Later a neighbor mocked, "Think, Carl, by the end of the month the rest of us will be enjoying a big payoff because of our work. But you may end up with nothing, all because of your work for God. Where will you be then?" With quiet confidence, Carl replied, "Working for God has a payoff too, but not necessarily at the end of the month. The question is, when that day comes, where will you be?"

Which payday takes priority in your life? The one at the end of the month or the day you stand before Christ? Now is the time to evaluate your goals in life, for one day the Lord will reward the wise choices you've made.  — Joanie Yoder