The Reward of Service

We must be relentless until we see the manifestation of the promise.  Many times, the reason we don’t is because of the world’s teaching:  instant gratification.  Yet, the Bible talks about rewards, not awards.

Awards

• given for an achievement
• the public has an opinion

Rewards

• done in private
• about service, not an achievement
• done by an audience of one

Colossians 3:23-25(MSG)
Do your best. Work from the heart for your real Master, for God, confident that you’ll get paid in full when you come into your inheritance. Keep in mind always that the ultimate Master you’re serving is Christ. The sullen servant who does shoddy work will be held responsible. Being a follower of Jesus doesn’t cover up bad work.

Your Reward Is Reserved for You

1 Peter 1:4 (NIV)
…and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you

We always say what God has for me is for me – but we are oftentimes thinking about a house.  God wants our focus to be on the eternal, not the temporal (a house or a car).  Your reward will far outweigh the suffering that you are experiencing and the sacrifices you have made.

Your Reward Is Based Upon What You Do

Your reward is based upon what you do. (Ephesians 6:8, Matthew 16:27)  God is not partial. It does not matter who you are. You will be rewarded according to our works (good or bad).

Your Reward Is Based On How You Do What You Do

Do it from your heart but not for other people to see.  Although people are watching, know that it is not about what they see. It’s about what God sees.

“Whatever you do becomes a witness to someone else.” – Pastor Ferne Sapp

Your Reward Is From The Father

Sometimes people will not value you.  It comes from the father above. Some people ask you why you do what you do.  I do what I do because it is unto the glory of God.

Matthew 5:12 (NIV)
Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

What God will give to you is so much better than any man will give you.  Do not worry about the prosecution that you receive. If you make it through, great will be your reward in heaven.