Are You a Wage-Earner?
Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
By definition, a reward is pay for service, both literally or figuratively, good or bad (Strong’s number 3408, MISTHOS). It is rendered in the Bible as “hire,” “reward,” and “wages,” and is used in a variety of ways. For example, “the labourer is worthy of his hire” (Luke 10:7), or “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). As our opening verse points out, there’s the reward to be received in the hereafter.
1 Corinthians 3:13-4 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward(read verses 1-17 for fuller context).
Here’s where things could get interesting. Motivation plays a role in relation to the type of reward, or the lack thereof. Of course, if one has unrighteous motives, he will receive the reward of his unrighteousness (death). The latter referring to the sinner. On the other hand, believers can suffer loss, which does not include eternal death. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire (1 Corinthians 3:15).
So, here’s a question: are you a wage-earner? Meaning, are you serving God on the basis of reward? Are you looking for the return on investment, otherwise known as the ROI? In conjunction with this question, do you wonder what specifically are the rewards? Those who fall under this category could basically be called hired hands.
Maybe think of it this way: the difference between dead works and a labor of love is whether love and faith are involved. Without faith it is impossible to please God (see Hebrews 11:6), and faith works by love (see Galatians 5:6). Love and faith require relationship with God; dead works have neither quality. Moreover, they are self-centered and self-serving.
Another way to differentiate between the two is whether you have joy. True obedience to God includes having joy, even under the harshest of conditions, which includes martyrdom. Think of it, for the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the Cross (see Hebrews 12:2). He went to the Cross because of love, which takes joy in the recipient for the recipient’s sake alone (AGAPE). If you’re chasing rewards, more than likely joy is running away from you.
John 15:10-13 If ye keep My commandments, ye shall abide in My love; even as I have kept My Father’s commandments, and abide in His love. These things have I spoken unto you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved you. Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
Is Pleasing Him Reward Enough?
Jesus makes it clear that obedience, which includes loving others well, is far more fulfilling than seeking personal satisfaction. Seeking happiness is unfulfilling. Those who smile the most, love and serve the most.
Perhaps, a better reason for doing things is to simply please Him. You know, to put a smile on ABBA’s face. Put a smile on Jesus’ face. You may discover that being pleasing to Him is reward enough.
