Reward

Matt 6:16

16 And whenever you are fasting, do not look gloomy and sour and dreary like the hypocrites, for they put on a dismal countenance, that their fasting may be apparent to and seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full already.

Was on MSN the other day and heard of a complaint that someone was ‘self-promoting’ what he has done for the church, the ministry, oh the great sacrifices, yadda yadda… and this verse came straight to my head. There are all sorts of people in church. People with wrong motives, people trying to climb the ladder, people who want to feel overworked all the time by their leaders, and people who truly love God.

Matt 6:18

18 So that your fasting may not be noticed by men but by your Father, Who sees in secret; and your Father, Who sees in secret, will reward you in the open.

All those sorts of different people will work their heads off for the approval of man, and yes, they will get the approval of man. They will be rewarded with praises, opportunities, pity, admiration, whatever… from man. They are heaping up treasures that are redeemed on earth.

Matt 6:19-20

19 Do not gather and heap up and store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust and worm consume and destroy, and where thieves break through and steal.

20 But gather and heap up and store for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust nor worm consume and destroy, and where thieves do not break through and steal;

AMP

When I serve God, I want as few people to know as possible because I am a hoarder. I am hoarding treasures in heaven, glory tokens to be redeemed for a larger HDB in heaven, or maybe a golden road named after me. So when someone comes up to me and says ‘hey, I heard/saw you working hard in ministry the other day’, I go ‘drats, did I just lose a glory point in heaven?’

It has been said that this earthly life is a dress rehearsal for the real life in heaven. Would you rather be in golden robes during the play rehearsal and in rags up there, or vice versa? It’s just a momentary discomfort for an eternity of glory. Chose wisely.