Don't Let It Happen To You

[Lioness]

Sometimes I wonder about good works and rewards.  Because we are working so hard to make so little down here, I think sometimes we translate that into our understanding of Scripture.

How hard do we have to work for which rewards? Don't you sometimes wish that the rewards system was spelled out in detail...like...give a child a cup of cold water in my name and this will earn you such and such?

 Maybe the reason some of us have a hard time throwing ourselves into this Christian life is because we really expect too little in return for our efforts.  But...considering God is very generous, I just wonder how much we are really missing out on when we do that.

 Let's just pretend, for a moment, that it is rewards day in Heaven and God is doling them out and you are watching the guy in front of you get his rewards.  You hear God talking to the gentleman saying, " -and for handing that little child a cup of cold water, I will give you a five-story mansion, complete with an indoor heated pool , whirlpool, and an atrium.  I noticed you were nice to your very cranky mother-in-law; for that I will give you authority over twenty cities. "

Now...if I was the next person in line, right about now I'd probably be thinking, " I should have done so much more in the name of Christ if these are the types of rewards God gives for doing even the smallest things for Him.  I wish I had believed God more when He said He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. I'd be wishing I would have shared the Gospel more, prayed more, done more good works. I'd have much regret because I couldn't go back and fix things or do things over...it would be too late. Sometimes I wonder if this is why the Scriptures say that God will wipe away every tear from our eyes. 

But you know...I'm still here, and I still have opportunities everyday to do more and to do better. That's what I want to do.    How about you?

[Soldier4Christ]

I don't think that we should be concerned about what rewards or how much those rewards might be. What is important is that we are doing God's work out of love. Love for Him and love for our neighbors and enemies. When we do things for those that we love we do so because we want to without any regards of getting anything in return. That is true love ... not expecting anything in return. We should just be happy that we are able to go to heaven and not be concerned about the rest. Even if I were to have to live on the streets of heaven that is enough for me. It is my love for God and mankind that drives me to do God's work not any regards of any special rewards.

[Shammu]

It is my love for God and mankind that drives me to do God's work not any regards of any special rewards.

AMEN!!

[HisDaughter]

Even if I were to have to live on the streets of heaven that is enough for me.

After living on the streets in Seattle at one time, the streets of heaven work for me too!!!  I'll even share my tarp with ya!

[Soldier4Christ]

I don't think that we would need a tarp.  The weather there will always be beautiful.

[Lioness]

I don't think that we should be concerned about what rewards or how much those rewards might be. What is important is that we are doing God's work out of love. Love for Him and love for our neighbors and enemies. When we do things for those that we love we do so because we want to without any regards of getting anything in return. That is true love ... not expecting anything in return. We should just be happy that we are able to go to heaven and not be concerned about the rest. Even if I were to have to live on the streets of heaven that is enough for me. It is my love for God and mankind that drives me to do God's work not any regards of any special rewards.

Thanks.  I was kinda hoping someone would say that because that's what I try to do, but sometimes I get to thinking that I'm just not doing enough...that I could be doing more...then I do more and hit burnout.

I remember when I was in Girl Scout's and I only wanted to earn one badge...the explorer's badge. You had to go on three hikes to get it and that's what I did.  I invited my mother to the awards banquet so she could watch me get my badge. As the other girls who were called up they usually got two or more badges. I just was patiently waiting to be called up for the one. I waited the whole ceremony and I never got that badge.

I spoke to the leader later about that badge I was supposed to have received and she said that I had not completed the three hikes...only two.  Then I recounted all three hikes, to which she replied,"The hike to Wakanda Park was just for fun." Well...nobody had told me that walk was just for fun or I would not have gone and I said so.  My friend, who was standing nearby, also said she wouldn't have gone either, had she known, so I obviously wasn't the only one who was not informed of this.

My teacher, who was the one who got the whole Girl Scouts thing going...thinking it would help us, also talked to the leader when she heard what happened. The leader wouldn't budge though. She was tough. 

So, the moral of this story is, I don't want to get to Heaven thinking I'm doing alright and then I hear, "Sorry, what you did didn't count. It wasn't enough. You didn't have exactly the right motive, you could have done better." Just kinda bugs me. I think I want more than an alley when everyone else is enjoying rich rewards for all eternity. An alley in Heaven is better than a mansion down here, but, when everything is flipped around in eternity , I think I might start changing my mind.

[Soldier4Christ]

You say that you are doing the things for the Lord without expecting anything in return yet you still are concerned about the rewards that you want when you get there. It sounds to me like you are divided on this issue, that it has you in a turmoil. Think about this a minute. Its kind of like having a friend or a neighbor that needs some money or groceries or something. You give it to them and tell them don't worry about paying it back but then deep down inside you really do expect them to pay it back.

We love the Lord because He first loved us. He died on the cross for us. That is a gift that He gave us. All we have to do is to repent of our sins and to accept that gift. All that He wants in return is our love and how can we not love someone that has given so much of themselves for us. Don't worry about the rest such as works and rewards. Leave that in the hands of the Lord, He will take care of that. He is loving and just not mean.

I am also reminded of Jesus and the poor widow woman. There were many in that time that scoffed at her for giving so little while they gave so much. What was it that Jesus said about it? "Verily I say unto you, That this poor widow hath cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury:
For all they did cast in of their abundance; but she of her want did cast in all that she had, even all her living." Those two mites that she gave Jesus considered to be worth more than all the money in the entire treasury. Why? Because she gave it from her heart.

We should not be concerned about how much we do or give but in what manner we do so. God does not require of us more than we are able. He does not want you to reach burnout. He is indeed a loving and most merciful God.

[Jon-Marc]

If we are living and working for the Lord with the idea of getting something in return, then our works are in vain. 

[Lioness]

You say that you are doing the things for the Lord without expecting anything in return yet you still are concerned about the rewards that you want when you get there. It sounds to me like you are divided on this issue, that it has you in a turmoil.

I was born in the state of dependence, raised in the state of confusion, moved to the state of turmoil, and now I reside in the state of Wisconsin. Kidding aside, I will just say thanks for the encouragement.

Everyone seems like they have great fun here which is good because there are few things I like better than goofing off.. You guys remind me of a bunch of frolicking puppies. Maybe there's room for one more in the pack?

[Soldier4Christ]

There is always room for more, sister. Just jump on in and make yourself at home. We do goof off in fun but we also have our serious moments in God. There is always plenty here for all.

[Shammu]

Everyone seems like they have great fun here which is good because there are few things I like better than goofing off.. You guys remind me of a bunch of frolicking puppies. Maybe there's room for one more in the pack?

Sister you are welcome to "goof off" with us, theres always room for more. Though as Pastor Roger says, I do have a serious side, when it comes to God.

[workinprogress]

God does not cause us to have those feelings, that we need to to good works in order to recieve any rewards.
Those feeling, which is feelings of guilt comes directly from Satan himself. Once the Holy Spirit comes and dwells in us, we don't have to worry about doing good works, because we will do the things God wants us to and He will present us the opportunity and timing to do them in His time.
After all even Christ was tempted by satan: (Mat 4:3 KJV)  And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

So  give up those feelings of trying to please God, just present yourself as a clean vessel and let His Spirit flow through you.

[Lioness]

Good point. Worry, stress and fear aren't great motivators. 
I know the Bible says to let our motive be love so its probably best to just concentrate on that and not worry too much about the rest.

[Faithin1]

I don't believe we can ever "do" enough.  As others have mentioned; if we are only doing good in expectation of rewards from God, it serves no purpose.  God knows our hearts, and He knows our motives.  He wants us to have altruistic motives for our deeds.  When we give to others from our heart, we aren't concerned with rewards. 

Eph 2:9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.