Character Is Rewarded

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – May 5, 2017

Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. Proverbs 31:31

There are rewards for righteous living, as your character solicits Christ’s commendation. Your reward could be children who follow hard after God and whose family is found faithful. Character rewards your conscience with a peaceful sleep, as it rests in having done right. Thus remuneration for righteousness does not happen one time but provides a perpetual payment.

Your reward may be wrapped in a fulfilling work, a respectful reputation, a spouse who admires you, children who honor you and a Heavenly Father who blesses you. “The LORD rewards every man for his righteousness and faithfulness” (1 Samuel 26:23a). Take the time to reflect on the fruit from your faithfulness, and then, thank the Lord. Rewards are not for your recognition, but for the One from whom the rewards come.

Furthermore, do you take the time to reward character in your company and with your children? It is not enough to just punish bad behavior, but how do you reward right attitudes and actions? Do you make a big deal out of someone who consistently carries a caring countenance? Thank those who are quick to help and slow to complain.

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out” (Proverbs 10:9).

What about the individual who works late to make sure the project is complete? Do you take them for granted or do you appreciate them for their excellence? Encouraging words are hot soup for a starving soul. Pray and think about ways to reward others financially. When someone earns a bonus, make a big deal out of its accomplishment. Rewards are an effective way to honor those who are examples for others to emulate.

Lastly, look to the Lord’s rewards as a motivation for living a life of Christ-like character. What you believe about Jesus gets you to heaven, but how you behave on behalf of Jesus determines your quality of heaven. So how then shall you live in the shadow of the Most High? Generous? Yes. Forgiving? Yes. Trusting? Yes. Prayerful? Yes. Kind? Yes. Patient? Yes. Loving? Yes. Encouraging? Yes. Courageous? Yes. Persevering? Yes.

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Does my character compel me to faithfully follow Christ? Am I motivated by eternal rewards to live with a purpose for His Kingdom? Do I reward the good character of others?

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