For the Reward

What wonderful insight Jesus gives us into the great heart of God.  He cuts past the superficial and meaningless actions. And goes directly to the reasons behind doing things. Jesus teaches that our reward is tied to pure intention.  He assures us that genuine gestures and the correct motives hold the reward.  It also tears away the value of any act done for lesser or superficial motives.  If we do something we know we should do but do it for some gain of our own, what value can that hold with our Lord? He gave His very life for others.

If we see a child in need of some water, our heart has the opportunity to respond. It can resemble God´s own heart and want to ease their suffering. Or, we could give the child a drink merely because we know it is the respectable thing to do. One reflects God´s nature. The other wants to look better.

In our pilgrimage of faith, we go from being self-regarding to being children of God. We once chased the things and ways of this world. Now our souls focus on being with the Lord. The closer we grow to Him, the more of His nature will be found hidden deep within our hearts. Press on for that reward.

Dear Lord.  Please wipe away our interests that we direct toward ourselves. Rather, let us look away to You.  Empty us so that Your nature may fill us and move us in compassion.  Let Your love carry us into acts of love and kindness with no other thought than to glorify You. Amen

Proverbs 2:1-5 ESV / My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Revelation 18:4 ESV / Then I heard another voice from heaven saying, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues;

James 1:21 ESV / Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Hebrews 2:10 ESV / For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.

Ephesians 5:30 ESV / Because we are members of his body.

Ephesians 4:1-32 ESV / I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, …

Ephesians 1:10 ESV / As a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.