The Great Rewarder

For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 1 Cor. 3:11-14

Many years ago, when Heidi and Jared were five and seven years old and we were living in San Pedro, Ivory Coast, I was talking to a missionary friend when Heidi rushed up and asked excitedly, "Is tonight prayer meeting?"  My friend looked at me in open-mouthed shock. Were the Sheppard children that spiritual? her eyes asked silently. 

Heidi, Jared and my nephew Jake (in front) - 2002

I burst out laughing. No, they certainly weren't. The key to Heidi's love of prayer meeting laid in the trip to the ice cream shop afterwards—a reward earned for sitting quietly in the service. While the shop and it's ice cream weren't much by American standards, it seemed absolutely glorious to our family after years of living in ice-creamless locales!

My kids love rewards, as do I. And I am very thankful God is a rewarder! While He certainly would have a right to do so, He doesn't ask us to serve Him for nothing. He promises great reward for faithfulness. In fact, He is so committed to His reward system it says in Hebrews 6:10  He would consider Himself unjust to not remember the good we have done for others. "For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister."

On days when "perks" for doing right seem few, I find the Bible's promise that God will not forget my work and labor of love very comforting. Just as my children found it easier to do right knowing they would receive a reward, I too find it a great comfort and motivator.

Jonah with his well-earned ice cream! 2014

See My "Life of Sin" Testimony.

See Affair-Proofing My Marriage.