How do you feel about doing good deeds to earn a reward?

Are you thinking, “Well, you should do good deeds for goodness-sake and not for a reward. It would be selfish to want to do something nice because there is something in it for yourself.”

But that’s not what the Bible teaches. It teaches us that we should do good deeds FOR the reward. “But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:14.

“But, shouldn’t we do it for God and not for a reward?” Yes, but what if the reward is God Himself and things that naturally come with having Him? Such as joy, hope, peace, love, etc.?

This past Saturday, my 5 year old who made some dumplings asked me, “Daddy, would you like to try one?” I said, “I sure do. mmm.. It’s good!” And a satisfied look on her face.

Why did she offer me that dumpling? She wanted the reward of compliment. She wanted my approval for something she did. Imagine if she did it simply for “goodness sake” and not to find satisfaction in pleasing her daddy.

Does it please you to please God? It should. It’s hard to continue to do something without a reward…

PH