Here’s one subject I’m always interested in. I bet you might be too … REWARD.

In a world certainly full of disappointment and despair, there’s something else God wants us to discover about life that’s just as real … reward. Here are some particulars about reward He wants us to learn, believe and experience:

REWARD DEPENDS. If there is no sowing of good, don’t expect the reaping of reward. Don’t be deceived. Reward often pivots on sowing (See Galatians 6:7-8).

REWARD AWAITS. We will reap from the good we sow. God says it’s inevitable. So expect it. He has written and hardwired this reward equation into the universe. 

It’s a law as sure as gravity. Anticipate its arrival. It’s reserved for all who subscribe and do good.

REWARD WAITS. While reward is inevitable, it’s often deferred. It waits to arrive, showing up “at the proper time,” not just when we want or expect it. It’s never late. God sees to it. 

Learning to live with delayed gratification is a good thing. It builds two really important muscles — faith and hope.

GOOD IS REWARDED. Sometimes we don’t think so, but God says so. He sees. He keeps score. And He assures and insures the gift. He delivers good for good. 

We can’t know how or when. But in a world where we often see evil triumphing, when good shows up, good wins in the end.

GOOD IS GREATLY REWARDED. God delivers more than good for good. He says “a harvest” is coming our way. This suggests abundance. Never underestimate God’s ability to surprise us with encouragement when we do good. 

GOD’S REWARD IS GREATER. Other rewards are often available sooner but not greater. Don’t cash in too soon. Don’t settle for less. 

Esau’s reward wasn’t worth it (Instant gratification usually isn’t. See Genesis 25:19–34). God’s reward is worth it (1 Corinthians 2:9).

Take a fresh look at Matthew 5:1-12, see what I mean. And be thrilled at the stunning, greater rewards cited there. And remember, heaven trumps everything. Hold out for God’s rewards. His are greater. His are best.

FIND REWARD IN FAITHFULNESS. God says reward comes “if we do not give up.” So let’s hang in there. Let’s keep showing up, being faithful in doing good. God places a great premium on faithfulness.

ONE REWARD COMES UNMERITED. Jesus. He’s the Gift of gifts. Accept this goodness, His righteousness gifted to us, and let it/let Him keep driving our goodness to others for a lifetime.

Reflect: Do you believe God rewards doing good and faithfully showing up and that His rewards are good, even great? What gratification might you be giving into now that needs to wait on God’s reward? Who needs to be served, helped, challenged, encouraged by you today?

A prayer to consider: LORD and Master, thank You for teaching me about reward and for being so committed to my good and my reward. You are amazing, worthy of my highest worship!

Help me to keep doing good despite the results or reward here, just like Jesus. I trust Your goodness and live expecting the greater reward, Yours! It’s You! Keep me going through the power of your Spirit at work in me, I pray. Amen.