SERVICE REWARDS
#7 of 7 in SUCCESS-SERVICE-REWARDS series
Hebrews 6:10
“God is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown Him as you have helped His people and continue to help them.”
Our heavenly Father understands that people love being rewarded for their work.
Ten year-old Jeremy dabbed his sweaty face, checking out the yard he just mowed. His mom peeked outside to see him clipping grass from the edges of the sidewalk. She smiled. She brought out a dish from the cabinet.
The Bible teaches that God rewards us for service, too. While good works cannot get anyone into heaven, service is what we were created to do (Ephesians 1:11). (See Life’s Goal—Salvation, Daily Maintenance, It Was for This, Baptism Debut, and Born Again devotions to learn how to achieve salvation.)
Check out five crowns the Bible says the faithful receive:
The Crown of Incorruption (in-kor-UP-shon means honest, upright—the opposite of corruption) is given to those who control their bodies, minds, and spirits. 1 Corinthians 9:25 describes: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.” These people strive their whole lives for victory at the finish line.
1 Thessalonians 2:19 describes the Crown of Rejoicing: “For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ when He comes?” This is given to those whose words, art, dance, song or work reflects joy in Christ.
James 1:12 explains the Crown of Life. “Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that Gad has promised to those who love Him.”
The Crown of Glory is presented to those who care for others, illustrated in1 Peter 5:2-4. “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
2 Timothy 4:8 explains that the Crown of Righteousness is awarded to those who preach God’s Word. “Now there is in store for me [Apostle Paul] the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”
“Wow, thanks, Mom!”
“Thank you, Jeremy. Good job!”
Take Home Nugget
Crowns can be lost! 2 John 1:7-8 says, “Many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ is coming in the flesh, have gone out into the world. Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist. Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be fully rewarded.”
Our service to others serves up rewards now and in the life to come!
J.D. Griffith
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