Rewards

2 Corinthians 5:1-11

For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. ² Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, ³ because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. ⁴ For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. ⁵ Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come.

⁶ Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord. ⁷ For we live by faith, not by sight. ⁸ We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. ⁹ So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. ¹⁰ 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.

Who doesn't like getting a reward?  Maybe its for winning something or recognition for something, but I am pretty sure we as people like rewards.  I know my kids do, "If you guys behave well today at ...... we will go get ice cream after."  Bam motivation set, good behavior delivered, reward given... Mission Accomplished!!!!

Rewards is something that each one of us as followers of Christ will receive. As verse 10 tells us we will receive what is due us for things done in this life, whether good or bad.  Now that should be motivating and convicting all at the same time.  Every work (every action, reaction, thought, word....) will be revealed for what it truly is at the judgement seat of Christ. 

But neither reward or fear should drive us to live for Christ.  We should be driven by love.  Driven by what Christ has done for us and our lives should be lived as a reflection of our deep need of Him.  

Today as I got about this new day my prayer is that I will be constantly reminded of Christ's love for me and that His love will drive me to serve Him. 

One of my favorite lines in a movie is,  "Brothers what we do in this life will echo into eternity."  May my life echo Jesus all day today.