No Better Reward

Have you ever seen a child being asked to do something? One might grumble and complain. Another might drag his feet. And still another might do what’s being asked but with little joy for the task. Now, have you ever seen a child being asked to do something with a treat on the line? For example, “clean your room and we’ll go get ice cream!” That same kid who grumbled before will suddenly find a new motivation. That child who before took his sweet time will suddenly find a new pep in his step. That compliant child will still do what’s being asked, but this time with a little more enthusiasm and joy. The truth of the matter is we all are a little more willing and happy to do what needs to be done when there is something we can enjoy at the end as a result of our hard efforts.

      Another truth, a sad one, is this: many people fail to live a good life for the Lord because all they see is a list of rules and expectations rather than all the blessings and promises that come from walking with the Lord. The psalmist speaks of some of these blessings in Psalm 16:11. He says: “Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.” What better motivation could be found than fullness of joy and pleasures for evermore? One of my favorite promises is found in Acts 2:38-39-“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” What better promise could there be than knowing the gift of God is available to each and every soul who wants it?

     If you find yourself like the child in need of motivation to live the life God has called you to live. Pick up your Bible. Read its words. If you are looking for a reason to keep on keeping on I guarantee you will find it within the pages of the Good Book!