We all have had times when we’ve asked ourselves; "Why do we
even try to please others; they don’t appreciate what we do for them anyway." We
run an errand for an elderly, neighbor; she acts like we’re obligated to do that
for her. We open the door for a fellow carrying a stack of packages into the
post office; he ignores our thoughtfulness, and never says a word to us. Our
kids act bored on Saturday morning, so we suggest the whole family goes to the
mall for ice cream; the kids do nothing but argue the whole time we’re there!
It’s enough to make anyone just give up trying to do something nice for someone
else!
A once popular comedian by the name of Rodney Dangerfield used to always
say: “I get no respect!” I think many
of us could agree with him; we don’t get any respect either. We get no “thanks”
or even; “I appreciate you doing that for
me” when we’ve gone out of our way to be nice to someone. Well, we can’t
dwell on the lack of someone’s expressed gratitude or their unmentioned,
sincere appreciation. We’re to just keep on doing what the Lord wants us to do,
and that is to; love
one another and to; do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Our great reward is forthcoming!
The final rewards of Christians and non-Christians will be determined
by our relationship with Jesus Christ during our lifetime here on earth. We
have a merciful God, but He is just.
He will reward each person with what they deserve. Christians will receive
eternal life. Those who have put their trust and faith in Jesus, recognizing
His sacrifice on the cross can look forward to His reward for them in heaven! For those who during this lifetime do not believe in Him or trust His
remedy for their sin will receive judgment – they are damned to eternity in
hell. Yes, it’s that simple! But, true! (Revelation 22:12) reveals, Jesus will
judge believers according to our works. Our acts of kindness, and consideration
are as much for our own salvation as they are for the benefit of those whom we
reach out to in our thoughtfulness. We rely on God and His Holy Spirit to lead
and guide us while we are here on this earth.
Our “thanks”; our great reward, comes by
our knowing “we shall always be with the Lord” (1 Thessalonians 4:17) and “we
shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Spending
eternity with God Himself is our greatest “thank
you!” our greatest reward.