A Weekend Of Rewards

In order to get through my daily to-do list, I often give myself little rewards as I check things off. I might have a Healthy Bite, or maybe a cup of cappuccino - something small that will motivate me to keep going.

And no, adding things I've already done to the list just to check them off doesn't count.

On a much more serious note, I've been studying the Sermon on the Mount in the book of Matthew for the past couple of weeks, and it is quite convicting to see the differences in the rewards Jesus spoke of.

And when thou praise, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. Matthew 6:5

Three times in the first 18 verses alone, Jesus says these hypocrites, the scribes and Pharisees, have already received their rewards. They would pray and fast and give just to be seen, to receive some type of applause and notice from men. How completely different that heart-condition was from the one Jesus wanted His followers to have. He says they've received all they're going to get because they were looking for the wrong acceptance.

God's rewards for the things we do for Him are more precious and lasting than anything we could ever receive from the crowd of people around us. We focus in on the immediate gratification and miss out on something more wonderful that the Lord has in store for us. How disappointing it would be to know what we could have had, but we settled for what made us feel good right now.

Make this a weekend of distinguishing between rewards. Is the effort you're putting forth completely for the glory of God, or are you trying to impress someone else? He knows the condition of your heart, and He knows the special rewards He has ready for those who labor for Him.

So which would you rather have - a momentary pat on the back or a lasting reward that will never fade away?

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