“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward [is] with Me, to give to every one according to his work.
[Rev 22:12 NKJV]
I grew up hearing a saying many times – “Life isn’t fair.” Those saying that to me did not say it to discourage me. They were trying to help me understand that life is not easy, the world does not pay according to justice and worth, but rather by earthly standards. That is why we see sports players and some entertainers get paid millions while those in positions of every day need get paid much less. The values of the world are twisted because the world is currently owned by the prince of darkness. And, he will lie, and make those in ruling positions say that all should be paid equal when, in reality, he doesn’t believe that at all.
God, on the other hand, is perfectly fair and just. [Psa 7:11] We will be given rewards based on His system. Did we do what He wanted us to do? Did we shine His light? [Mat 25:14]
I am not talking about salvation. Salvation comes from believing in Christ, confessing He is the Son of God, and committing our lives to Him. [Eph 2:8] It does not come from works. [Eph 2:9, Gal 2:16] However, we show our love for Him by doing His work – sharing the gospel and using the gift(s) He has given us for His good.
When we appear before Christ, and His Bema seat, Christ will reward us. Amir Tsarfati compares it to the end of a race. [Bema Seat] The runners, winners of the race, were rewarded with awards, so will it be in heaven when we face Christ. We will be rewarded based on our use of the talents God gave us. We will not be rewarded equally. We will be rewarded based on what we did for Him. [Mat 25:21] That is just. Sadly, rewards can even be given to someone else if we did nothing with what God gave us. [Mat 25:28-29] Heaven is going to be glorious. We cannot imagine in our earthly minds the amazing things we will see and experience there. God is just, though, and we will have different positions and reward outcomes.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things [done] in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
[2 Co 5:10 NKJV]
Life on this earth, in our human bodies, is not fair, it is not just. Man is incapable of being just. Man’s idea of what is of great value is not like that of God’s. We are not to succumb to the lies of the world – justice, equal, etc. [Rom 12:2] We work hard. We commit our lives to Christ. We share the Gospel. We await our heavenly rewards. Everything earthly will pass away, but the rewards we get from God last for eternity.
[He is] the Rock, His work [is] perfect; For all His ways [are] justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright [is] He.
[Deu 32:4 NKJV]
Dear Jesus:
We know God is fair. We know He is just. God gives according to His values which are perfect. We don’t deserve any rewards. God sent you to die because He is full of grace and mercy. We are but sinners deserving of nothing great and wonderful. Yet, we know we have heavenly rewards waiting for us according to how we share your love and truth. Please, Lord, help us finish this race for your glory. Help us run this race and do it for you. We want to be able to hear “Well done good and faithful servant” when we see you. Guard our hearts and minds as we continue to strive to do your will.
In Jesus Name, Amen.
| Holly Starr |
| Run the Race |
| Glenn Hall |
| Great are My Rewards |
| Steven Curtis Chapman |
| The Great Adventure |
