Rewards

Matthew 25:28-30 “Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. 29 For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. 30 And throw that worthless servant outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
 
“EVERYONE who has will be given more.” That’s the way it is in the Kingdom of God. Such a way may be seen by the selfish and self-centered to be a greedy way in itself. The rich get richer in God’s reward system. Is that fair to those who have less?
   The Kingdom of God is not about being fair. If God were fair with us, we’d all be in Hell. We deserve God’s wrath, but unfairly, Kingdom living begins with God’s love pouring forth his grace from a horrible cross to his glorious ascension. In love, Jesus committed his earthly life to our dead souls. Now he graciously calls us to follow him into his resurrection power. Abundantly he gives to us eternal life as we receive him. Justly, Jesus rewards us with condemnation if we deceive him. Yes, “reward” is a term that defines what is due to someone. Sadly, punishment is the reward of those who are as the lazy servant in this parable. The King will reward outright disobedience with separation from the Kingdom of God.
   Beware of and know evil grows evil. A bad thought can become a bad habit that becomes a bad stain on your heart. Bad habits keep one from God’s lovie and grace.
   How different it is to know the goodness of Jesus’ salvation! Be glad to know that good grows a good heart to develop a good way for your life. For the good servants in the parable, their ambition and wisdom rewarded them with the Master’s pleasure. If you start a God-centered habit, it becomes a God-expanding blessing for the world around you. Your heart, mind and soul will expand in the love God has given you. Loving God and loving your neighbors as yourself will become a viable, life-moving force.  
   The Kingdom of God is about abundance. Examine all parables and Kingdom descriptions. You will find God’s promises of exceeding blessings. Psalms 5:12 For surely, O Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
   Stop and consider what it is to be surrounded with God’s favor – his blessings – his shield – his protection. How good he is to watch over you in all matters.
   This is an end-time view. How wonderful it will be one day to hear the Master reward you with, “Well done good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23)