DID THE REWARD RECORD?
A few years ago my daughter bought her first Apple Watch. I had a Fitbit. I used my Fitbit to record my outdoor runs when I would be in another area. I like to run by mileage, not necessarily by time. The Fitbit was a good choice for me. Then last Christmas, my kids thought it well to buy me an Apple Watch, mostly because I am terribly bad at answering my phone. They wanted mom to answer her phone when they called. I conceded. I began recording my runs and turns out I liked the Apple Watch better than the Fitbit.
Matt then decided he needed an Apple Watch, so we bought him one for his birthday. Fast forward a few months and we are addicted to recording our workouts and runs. Yesterday, Faith was running with us and her shirt rubbed the Watch and stopped recording her run before she accomplished her goal. She was mad. She didn’t get the reward of finishing her mileage goal. Matt says to me that he feels the same, that if it doesn’t get recorded, he feels like he didn’t really run. He wants to see the accomplishment and get the reward. I told him, “But isn’t that just like us humans? We want to be recognized for our accomplishments. Even if it does not get recorded, you still ran.”
Humans wants to be recognized for our accomplishments and successes. It’s in our fleshly nature. After all, one of temptations that Satan tempted Christ with in the wilderness was the pride of life, “All these things I will give you if You will bow down and worship me.” The pride of life can be defined as anything that is “of the world,” meaning anything that leads to arrogance, ostentation, pride in self, presumption, and boasting.
“Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world.”
I John 2:15-16
Pride is a real concern for the spiritual man. Satan is no dummy. He’s watched humanity for thousands of years. Pride goeth before destruction. Thus, needing recognition for our accomplishments strokes our egos and brings a fall. Or at the very least, lets us know someone saw and someone appreciates what we have done. But why do you need recognition? Isn’t this mindset contrary to Scripture? Isn’t wanting recognition a fleshly and selfish concern? Why is it so important to you to be recognized? Should we not be serving, giving, doing for an audience of One? If you are doing things for humans to recognize you, then their recognition is your reward. That’s a very shallow reward indeed.
Now, I’m not saying you cannot recognize people for their role in your life. Scripture tells us to “honor your mother and father”. It’s the first commandment with promise. Also to honor our spiritual and civil leaders and our elders. In fact, we should show honor and respect to all people and prefer others better than ourselves. Personally, I would like to see our country return to a respectful and honoring nation; as these are grossly lacking in our society. I’m extremely grieved at the lack of disrespect in this next generation.
“Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor.” Rom 13:7
But if no one ever sees or never says “thank you”, and you never get any recognition for your service or accomplishments; does it mean it’s not been recorded? Is it like the Apple Watch, it got mistakenly stopped before the stated goal ? I beg to differ. God keeps good and detailed records. He records everything. He knows all. He sees all. He hears all. He records all. And because He records all that you do, one day you will be rewarded, or God forbid, lose your rewards. Behold the goodness and severity of the Lord. You may never be rewarded here in this world, but God has rewards for those who faithfully serve Him.
“Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name.” Malachi 3:16
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” Rev 20:11-12
“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3:23-24
Everything is being recorded and will receive a reward in His kingdom. This is the only recognition and reward that matters. Stop seeking for earthly recognition; you could lose your reward in heaven. Be very careful. This is a real warning in Scripture, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:1
Audience of One.
To Learn More About Pastor Crystal please visit the Leadership Page
