THURSDAY JULY 3, 2014.
'...He
will receive his reward.' 1 Corinthians 3:14 NIV
God's Reward System (2)
How will God evaluate and reward what you did for
Him during your lifetime here on earth? Based on three tests: (1) The
relationship test. The life God rewards is not a life of performance apart from
relationship with Him. Jesus pointed out that unless you abide in Him and obey
His commandments, you will not bear fruit for Him (John 15:5). Jesus commended
the church at Ephesus for their good works, then turned around and condemned
them because they hadn't kept their love for Him alive. 'I know your works,
your labour, your patience...Nevertheless I have this against you, that you
have left your first love.' (Revelation 2:2-4 NKJV) (2) The motive test. Jesus
said to the Pharisees, 'Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds
before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward...in Heaven.'
(Matthew 6:1 NKJV) Note the words 'to be seen'. What should our motive be? To
serve God and bring glory to Him! Even simple things like eating and drinking
can do that (1 Corinthians 10:31). On the other hand, your most religious
actions are worthless if your motive is to enhance your own ego and reputation.
(3) The love test. Christ said, 'Love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping
for nothing in return; and your reward will be great...' (Luke 6:35 NKJV) When
it comes to good works, why is always more important than what. The Bible says,
'Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that
we may receive a full reward.' (2 John 1:8 NKJV) So keep your heart pure and
your motives right!
Taken
from the Word for You Today Devotional
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