When is the last time you heard a sermon that suggested that a motive
for our obedience should be the rewards we receive in heaven? I imagine
for most of us it has been a long time. Whenever a sermon (or book)
provides a motive for obedience, it is almost always thankfulness for
what Christ has done. And certainly that is a wonderful and foundational
motivation.
But is it the only motivation? The answer is; there’s MORE.
For those who faithfully serve God Almighty no matter the challenges, Jesus makes it clear, “Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven”
(Luke 6:23). Apostle Paul states it plainly, “But each will receive his
own reward according to his own labor” (1 Corinthians 3:8). The author
of Hebrews even reminds us that Moses was motivated by rewards, “He
regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the
treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward (in
Heaven)” (Hebrews 11:26).
*The Lord doesn’t expect you to
crave worldly pleasure and fall into sin in this world. He wants you to
live a TRULY righteous life, escape Hell and make it to Heaven for your
own Great Rewards.*
[written by Michael J. Kruger]
