Everything that we do, we do for the reason of gaining something, or at least in the hopes of some reward for our efforts.
Do you agree with that statement?
“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Rev. 22:12)
“After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.” (Gen. 15:1)
For some, a sense of accomplishment is all they need, few go to their employment field daily for no pay, nor would you expect them to. We give gifts to each other and receive joy when the recipient says, “Thank you” and means it. Even the slothful seek for some reward in their laziness, a rest from the labor of searching for ways to rest.
“So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do.” (Luke 17:10)
Those who only profess Christ with their lips seek for rewards because of their supposed service to Him, the longer the prayer, the greater the blessing, the more religious they are, the more they are recognized by others, time served in the church to them automatically means one who should be revered.
“Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.” (Matt. 6:2)
Are you aware that the five crowns that I can recall in the Scriptures are not only given to those who diligently work for them, but that they are not just handed out haphazardly at the door of heaven, they must be sought for, worked for, and then held on to? We do not work for our salvation, Ephesians 2:8-9 is just one verse that reveals this truth, but I have much difficulty imagining anyone who truly has been born-again not understanding that there is work to be done once we are chosen by the Almighty, that there are some who believe that once the words are repeated, once they have been baptized, that they believe the work has been completed.
“Jesus paid it all” they will say, and they see no reason to do anything whatsoever but show up on Sunday morning and then wait to be welcomed into heaven.
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.” (2nd Tim. 3:5)
There are those who say that they do not feel compelled or driven by the Holy Spirit, and one wonders if they have the Holy Spirit in them at all.
There is a statement I have said in the past that I have, if even with only sideways glances, been rebuked for, and it is this, “I expect rewards when I get to heaven.”
So, then I ask you again, is there anything that you are doing in your life for the glory of God that you expect no rewards for?
If you say no, then I ask you, what is the purpose of you giving your account to the Lord for, for that account will start with this question, “What did you do for me in your life?”
“The labourer is worthy of his reward.” (1st Tim. 5:18b)
You may say “heaven is reward enough,” well and good, but how much of heaven? If you realize that you do not deserve even the smallest part of it, what makes you think you will receive all it has to offer?
We work for the glory of God, the one who serves with intent, sacrificing self, denying self and this world will receive much, the one who does not, will not.
“But he that knew not, and did commit things worthy of stripes, shall be beaten with few stripes. For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.” (Luke 12:48)
Salvation is free, we are to work for our rewards and crowns, all of which will be cast back at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ, and then returned to us again, because no matter how difficult this is for you to understand at this moment in your life my friends, you earned them. You worked for them, and you will receive them.
“His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matt. 25:21)
I will simply end this short letter with these words, get to work.
