Walk with the Lord

After the disciples saw a rich man walk away, unwilling to sacrifice his riches to follow Jesus (Mark 10:17–22), Peter asked what their reward would be for leaving everything (Mark 10:28). Jesus said, “Those who have sacrificed their homes, relatives, or possessions for my sake and for the good news will receive a hundred times more and will have eternal life” (Mark 10:29–30).
Really? Peter never saw a 100 percent bigger home or a job that increased his weekly paycheck by adding two zeros to the end of the number. Or did he? Peter might argue that his relationship with the Lord brought peace and satisfaction that was worth much more than a fancy house or a warehouse filled with gold. Perhaps he found greater pleasure in seeing souls saved than bringing in a boatload of fish.
People don’t choose to die for something unless they value it more than their lives. Since Peter chose a path that led to his crucifixion, we can be sure he knew the reward was real. But he hadn’t always been so radically committed. At Jesus’ trial, Peter swore he hadn’t been with Jesus and didn’t even know him (Matthew 26:69–75).
The rich man walked away because he thought the reward didn’t justify his sacrifice. After Peter denied the Lord, he wept bitterly. Unlike Judas, who hanged himself, he didn’t walk away. Repentance brought his heart back to the Lord.
What makes our walk with the Lord increase in value?