Work for Eternal Rewards

“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 NIV

In an article titled, “The Spectator’s Guide to the New York City Marathon” published by Runners World, the writer said: Sure, the people running the New York City Marathon are great. But if we’re being honest, it’s you, the spectators, who really do most of the work. The runners just put shoes on and flit around the city on a clearly marked, predetermined path. Volunteers hand them food and water. They get a medal at the end. But the spectators! You have to brave subway systems, blocked roads, and hordes of fans while traversing the five boroughs. No one is giving you food. No one is giving you a medal. Being a marathon spectator is a difficult and unsung task (especially in NYC). As someone who's been on both sides of the racecourse, I will say that taking care of a runner—following them on the course to cheer them on and tending to their other needs—takes almost as much work and is almost as exhausting as running a 26.2 mile race. But ask any runner and they’ll say the spectators are worth their weight in gold and well deserving of recognition and reward.

And you know, when it comes to doing things worthy of recognition, the main goal of every believer should be to please Christ; something we do by serving others with no expectation of recognition or reward from man. You can be sure that everyone will “receive what is due” though when they “appear before the judgement seat of Christ” where they will be rewarded for the things they have done for Jesus. These rewards we earn for serving with a pure heart and righteous motives will be more precious to us than any we could ever receive on earth and will last for all eternity. Do you just love that or what? 

So keep your eyes on the final finish line my friend. Run the race with endurance as you work to being God glory through your service to others. You'll not only be rewarded here on earth with the knowledge that you will one day hear the words, "Well done good and faithful servant" but will be recognized one day for your faithful service to the Savior. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding us that the work we do on earth matters for eternity. And while we won't be punished for what was not done rightly unto the Lord, those things will simply be burned up and it will be as if we never did them. Knowing that, cause us to desire doing only those things that will be proved true when they are tested by fire. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!