Scripture for Today:  Colossians 3:23-24  “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.  It is the Lord Christ whom you serve.”

We all love to be rewarded and recognized for what we do!  My husband has collected a number of trophies over the years for winning basketball tournaments.  They sit proudly on the top shelf of a bookcase in our study.  On the rare occasions when I dust them, I think about those happy proud moments when he was honored along with his team.

The Lord understands our need for recognition and reward and how they help to motivate us.  But there is a reluctance to talk about rewards.  It is like we are embarrassed that we need them.  There is the idea that somehow working for reward is a motive that is suspect.  And yet, the teaching of rewards is found throughout Scripture.

Our verse for today is quite clear about linking reward to our motivation to work hard.  It is for Him that we  work and not for the approval and recognition of men.  It is always nice, of course, to have that pat on the back from men too.  But it does not always come.

There are many times that others do not see what we do, or in seeing, say nothing in the way of thanks or appreciation.  Those words of approval are important to keep us going.  We are just made that way. That is why we need to be reminded of God’s rewards.  He sees.  He knows.  He is pleased with our service to Him.

His approval, His approbation, His reward keep me going.  Please Lord, may I one day hear, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”