Reward

I love rewards. I think I have probably a half dozen reward cards to various stores and businesses in my wallet, not to mention the digital ones that I use on my phone. And they’re fun because I can often save money or get free stuff when I use my rewards card at these establishments. There’s just something enjoyable about getting a deal!
And as much as I enjoy rewards I usually have to spend something to get them. It’s not as much of a reward if you’re going out of your way to get something or buying something that you normally wouldn’t, right?
In studying Jesus famous Sermon on the Mount, we see a lot about rewards as well. In fact, Matthew 6 especially focuses on this idea of rewards. And he compares the rewards that one gets naturally from this world, especially when we do good things. Like the natural honor or acclaim that we might get from being generous with those around us. Or the natural congratulations and thanks we received when we help someone out. Or the natural acceptance we might get from the culture. And those aren’t necessarily bad rewards. In fact, I enjoy them quite a bit when I receive them!
However, Jesus also talks about the rewards we receive from God the Father. In Matthew 6.1-18, there are three separate times when Jesus says, “And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” (ESV) And, obviously, that intrigues me. I want to be rewarded by God. I want to receive whatever he’s willing to give. But it’s also confusing because we don’t know for sure what type of rewards he’s talking about. Is it emotional? Will we feel good because of what we’ve done? Will it be relational? We’ll have better friendships and connections because of what we do in secret? Or is it spiritual? Will we receive a better heavenly reward from God?
And, honestly, I’m still wrestling with what exactly that means. But the message is clear: we want those rewards. They come from God, who Jesus calls Father here, which means they will be highly beneficial to his children. No matter what exactly they look like, they will be good and wonderful and divine.
But more than that, doing these acts that Jesus talks about in Matthew 6 means that we’ll be closer to God by doing them, IF we do them right. And that’s Jesus whole point. The right way to give to the poor, love our neighbor and fast and pray is to do it secretly. Not loudly so others see us. Not broadcasting it on Facebook or Instagram. But doing it for the sole purpose of knowing, loving and relating to Jesus better. It is in that purpose alone that we receive the reward. No card or app needed. God bless.