Our "Unrewarded" Work

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Life on the Go For Dads

Written by Harrison House

There is going to come a time of testing at the judgment day to see what kind of work each builder has done. Everyone's work will be put through the fire to see whether or not it keeps its value. If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. But if the work is burned up, the builder will suffer great loss. The builders themselves will be saved, but like someone escaping through a wall of flames.
(1 Cor. 3:13-15 NLT)

Have you ever had days when you questioned why you were so committed to living the Christian life, doing the Lord's work? I have. Sometimes you look around and all you can see are people living for themselves, instead of the Lord. Many times it looks like unbelievers are being blessed more than we are.

But I think what's the most disheartening is seeing so many Christians living mediocre lives. I'm referring to believers who go to church on Sunday, and maybe even are active in the church, but live lives devoid of a real passion for God. Often these same people look at you like you're some sort of fanatic because you aren't satisfied having a superficial relationship with God. Sometimes it's enough to make you want to scream—or cry.

I love the verses at the beginning of this devotion by the Apostle Paul. They remind me that when we get to heaven, all the things we did here out of love for the Lord will finally be rewarded. On the other hand, those believers who served themselves or served God with wrong motives will find that their rewards will not follow them into heaven. They themselves will be saved, but they'll have nothing to show for their lives after they leave here.

But those of us who gave of our time and ourselves, often with little or no earthly reward, will find an abundance of heavenly rewards waiting for us. Remember all those prayers you prayed when no one knew except you and God? What about all those times you said "no" to yourself when everyone else was doing what they pleased? And how about all the time you spent serving others, without ever seeing a single penny for it?

Think of all the things you've done—or not done—out of love for the Lord that earned you little or no recognition or reward here on earth. These are the things that God holds closest to His heart. They are the very things that will bring you the greatest rewards from Him when you reach your heavenly home. And now I encourage you to "always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain"! (1 Cor. 15:58).

Take A BreakLook for an opportunity today to anonymously bless someone. Seek out 2-3 chances to secretly serve God where you will receive no recognition. Reflect on the reward of serving God rather than man.
Source: Life On The Go Devotional For Dads
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers