Re: Verse reading–Matthew 6:1-18 (day three) “If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven” (vs 1) We hear the peculiar and powerful perspective of Christ in these words. He viewed EVERYTHING against its eternal outcome. Nothing had value in and of itself. If an action or attitude brought no reward (or negatively impacted the potential for reward) it was to be avoided. If an action or attitude led toward the recognition and approval of the Father it was to be embraced. A simple system. Simply life-changing. I am convinced that this re-0rientation to eternity must still take place in our lives. How would our lives be different if the promise of God’s approval and reward was our only concentration? The Bible describes this forward focus in Abraham. “He was looking for a city whose architect and builder was God” (Hebrews 11:10) May the same be said of us!
Interesting that I read another devotional this AM that talked about this same topic, but from the opposite perspective (we are already accepted by our Father who has covered us in robes of righteousness and so our goal should not be to try to earn His favor/acceptance but instead strive to trust Him/follow Him). Although I see scripturally both sides of this coin, I am not sure which way I lean. Great topic to think/prayer over today, though.
I personally am not motivated by the concept of a “reward.” I am not saying that is good… I just am not. For me, God in all that He is, is the Reward. That is the only perspective I currently have.
I took a break from working yesterday and watched a video. I saw something I did not see before and it was a gift from God to help me understand a situation better. In as quick as a wink, I was shocked to see evidence of God’s faithfulness to me and his ability to restore things that are committed to Him. It was an amazing surprise, but the best part of the whole day was being able to rehash with the Father before bed and honestly confess before Him that the best part of my day remained my time alone with Him….after a time of Worship… with my Bible on my lap and having Him open my heart to the scriptures and His will for me. He spoke to me about my resistance to authority and my need to change as well as His love for me and promise to help me. Like I said, to me HE is the Reward!… the gifts are great, but the Giver is the Desire of Nations!
Excellent criteria for keeping our motives pure and pleasing to God!
I heard on the radio this, “Am I valuing the things that God values?”