Scripture: “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” – Galatians 6:14
Examination: Paul explains that he is not focused on receiving any worldly praise for anything he has done, but that his reward is the glorification of Jesus and the cross. Keeping the Jewish traditions and laws are not the things for which he would want to be held in high esteem, but rather he wanted to be known as a servant of God, who shared the gospel of Christ.
Application: Paul’s desires are so far removed from what the world seeks. Our culture praises the ones who are beautiful in appearance, excel in sports, perform well in the arts, and even those who happen to have large followings on social media platforms. Those who faithfully serve God behind the pulpit, on the mission field, in Christian schools, in Sunday school classes, on their knees, etc., receive no praise from the world… nor should they seek it. Simply put, we serve God because we love Him.
Reflecting back on my life as a young girl, I see so many sacrifices my mother made for me. I had nothing with which to reward her except my love and gratitude. That was enough for her. When I had children, it was the same for me. Moms do so much for the children without expectation of anything in return. Both of these scenarios are rooted in love. That is how we need to be with God. We ought to serve Him because of the love we have for Him.
Jesus cautions us against serving God to receive earthly recognition and praise. In Matthew 6:1, He states, “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” We should serve with a humble heart, seeking no glory for ourselves from the world, but seeking praise for the Lord only. Revelation 22:12 assures us that in the future, Jesus Himself will reward us for our service to God. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” We can be sure that if Jesus said it, He will do it.
One day, we will stand before Jesus, and the Bible tells us that will be the day of our reward. 1 Peter 1:4 states that we have “… an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you.” I cannot imagine anything better than Jesus’ gift of forgiveness and eternity in His presence, but we are told in Scripture that we will be rewarded in heaven! In that moment, Matthew 5:12 will become a joyous reality. “Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven:”
Until then, as we follow the Lord, let us put our faith into action. Tell others how God sent His only Son to be crucified on a cross to pay for our sins and provide the gift of eternal life for anyone who puts their faith and trust in Jesus. Continue to seek His face, study His Word, and represent Him to a lost and dying world. One day, our faith will become sight, and our service to Him will be rewarded with two simple words spoken by our Saviour, “Well done.” Oh, what a moment!
Memory Verse: “Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ.” – Colossians 3:24
If when you give the best of your service,
Telling the world that the Savior is come;
Be not dismayed when they do not believe you;
He understands, he'll say, "Well done."
If when this life of labor is ended,
And the reward of the race you have run;
Oh! the sweet rest that's prepared for the faithful
Will be their blest and last "Well done."
Oh, when I come to the end of my journey,
Weary of life and the battle is won,
Carrying the staff and the cross of redemption,
He'll understand and say, "Well done."
(from “He’ll Understand and Say Well Done” by Lucie Eddie Campbell)