Receive Rewards - 6/28/06

2 JOHN 8, "Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully."

Following Jesus Christ is hard work. The pull of our sinful nature is always fighting against our salvation. Our bodies want what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit wants what is against the flesh.

This goes beyond carnal desires. Arguing, bickering, persecuting, judging, attacking ... so many sins that divide the people God loves set us against the Spirit's leading. This stems from our sinful nature, and the people God loves who are affected by this includes Christians and non-Christians, because we all started from the same place. We just decied to follow the path of Christ Jesus, and that comes with many rewards. When you choose to live for God, life does not become easier - but the blessings become greater and this brings Him even more of the glory He deserves, and then you are blessed for bringing Him glory and the crazy love cycle begins!

The scripture above warns us, "watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for." Do not lose the faith! Do not get discouraged, the Lord wants to reward you for your faithfulness and for standing up for Him when nobody else would. But, the enemy wants you to focus on current trials and tempt you into walking away from your reward with lies.

For example, Jesus wanted to bless Jerusalem and reward its people, but they were not willing to receive it. Luke 13:34 exposes God's grief over stubborn Jerusalem; their refusal to let God bless them by their own choice to live against truth. Jesus laments to Jerusalem, "But YOU were not willing!" He wanted to bless them.

We make the same choice. We have all at some point embraced our sinful nature and become slaves to it. Luke 6:20-21, "When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time...?" I'll tell you the benefit. We got to proudly shout, "I'm in control! I DECIDE!"

And where did that lead? Nowhere. We can't see the whole picture, only HE CAN. And HE LOVES US! He will bless you, guide you, and bring you into eternal life, that there may be no more strife; no more separation.

So, do not lose what you have worked for! Let yourself be rewarded fully by keeping up with God and His leading. Galatians 5:25, "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."

Check in with God every day to make certain that you are doing so.