HIS REWARD OR THEIR AWARD?

The culture of awarding believers is relatively new to the body of Christ. Years back, it was rare to see special award ceremonies given to church workers.

It is not out of place to recognize outstanding performance and to encourage those that are lax.

In the bible, Paul commended a few brethren for being outstanding: "Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow Jews who have been in prison with me. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was"( Romans 16:7).

However, God's reward supercede man's award. Sometimes ago, I received some awards. I looked at the criteria set for the decision made. I discovered they judged based on what they saw.

It is human to applaud people based on visible performance. I looked through the scriptures especially Acts of apostles, I didn't see anyone who was given an award in church based on performance. Not even those that gave their all.

Everyone worked for the Lord because of love and they knew that God is the rewarder of those that diligently seek him. In fact, they were ready to die If death was involved.

Paul was not looking forward to Peter's commendation but his eternal reward that was kept in heaven which the righteous judge will give to him.

2 Timothy 4:8 says, "henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."

Are you labouring for award or reward? What men will give to you as recognition for a job well done is an award not a reward.

Human award can be a wooden plaque or something the eyes can see but prone to perishing. Kingdom labour is something that should be done without thinking of who will say, 'thank you'.

I know it hurts when you're so busy for the Lord without due recognition. I know how it feels when those that should say, 'well done' are your fiercest critics but If I may ask, 'are you working for them or for the one that has called you'?

The moment you switch your focus away from the one that called you, you'll find yourself labouring to be awarded by mere men. Your loyalty will be to men and not to God.

I am not condemning award but God's reward is better. He will give it only to those that diligently seek Him. In my opinion, silent labours that no one knows about attract eternal rewards. Everyone should have a silent labour in the kingdom that no one knows about.

There are many we have awarded but without reward in heaven. Some are masters in eye-service. They know how to impress to be seen by Pastors or their leaders.

The Pastor may say, "bro Joe deserves an award for what we see him doing in church" but God may be saying "bro Stephen deserves a great eternal reward for what he is doing that the church/pastor cannot see."

When we get to heaven, earthly accolades like: 'he is the pastor of the fastest growing church or he pastors the church with the biggest cathedral' will cease.

In heaven, God's reward will humble many and we shall be surprised at how those we don't know or those we thought were doing nothing will be rewarded.

Labour faithfully and for the applause of the one who sees what men cannot see. Labour for His "Thank you" not their "Thank you".