What does it mean to be worthy?

Did you ever think about that?  Before we are saved we are deemed unworthy.  But once we accept Jesus we are counted worthy.  What does that mean?

Revelation 3:4(NKJV)

You have a few names even in Sardis who have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 

worthy

1. having adequate or great merit, character, or value:

a worthy successor.

2. of commendable excellence or merit; deserving:

a book worthy of praise; a person worthy to lead.

To me the word that stand out is deserving.  In our house when our kids were young we talked a lot about "earning the right" which I think is kind of the same thing. 

In the example above it seems to me that Jesus is saying these guys over here have earned the right to hang out with me for a bit.  We know that all who accept Jesus get in to Heaven but that we all get different rewards in Heaven based on the service (work) that we did for God here on earth.  One of the ways I could see that playing out is this.

Some people who are saved did the bare minimum so the will get a glimpse of Jesus now and then from afar when they are in Heaven.  Other folks who did a lot more may be invited to hang out with Jesus occasionally.  And some will even get to join his inner circle. 

Do I have a Scriptural basis for this thought?  Sure do.  In Revelation it talks about the 24 Elders seated around the throne of God.  Notice that not everyone gets to be in that inner circle seated around the throne of God.  Only the ones whom God has deemed worthy are seated there.