FULL REWARDS

Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward – 2 John 8

The Bible is replete with references to rewards for good accomplishments. A reward is a gift, a wage, or the fruit of one’s work. All rewards derive from God’s grace: “Surely there is a reward for the righteous…” (Psa.58:11a); “…to him who sows righteousness will be a sure reward” (Pro.11:18); “…they have a good reward for their labour” (Eccl.4:9). God promises not only GOOD, but FULL rewards. Here are six examples of such rewards in addition to those we meditated on yesterday:

1. Enduring through Ministry Pressures: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal” (2Cor.4:17-18). Rather than give in to discouragement and depression, trust and cling tightly to God’s promises of sure rewards.
2. Faithfulness Through Trials: “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1Pet.1:6-7). Pressing on through the pressures and trials of life will prove your faith genuine and secure for you God’s promised rewards.
3. Faithfulness to the Truth: “For many deceivers have gone out into the world…Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a FULL REWARD” (2Jh.1:7-8). God desires and rewards our full commitment to His truth, for Christ Himself is the Truth (Jh.14:6).
4. Quality Service to Employers and Others: “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ” (Col.3:23-24). When you offer and do your best for your employer or in the service of humanity, you are doing it for the Lord.
5. Faithful Service to God: “Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labour” (1Cor.3:8). “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1Cor.15:58). You cannot serve God and lose!
6. Purposeful Partnership: “Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labour” (Eccl.4:9). There is immense power in partnership especially that of the marriage relationship – the synergy of multiplied grace.

An important element in the Lord’s rewards will be a set of crowns, namely: a crown of righteousness (2Tim.4:8); a crown of life (Jam.1:12; Rev.2:10); a crown of glory (1Pet.5:4); an imperishable crown (1Cor.9:25), and a crown of rejoicing (1The.2:`19). One of the greatest rewards awaiting every Christian is beholding the majesty of God: “As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness” (Psa.17:15). This is God’s conclusion: “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each one according to his work” (Rev.22:12).