I’m very grateful for the day the Lord showed me the difference between the gifts He freely gives and the rewards I have to earn by acting in obedience to His commands. Knowing the difference was a real game changer in my walk with Him. Ignorance of this truth will bring about tremendous confusion. Understanding the reward process helps us understand why Jesus told us to teach His commands as we make disciples. I will never be able to do anything to earn the gifts He gives but the rewards follow clearly defined cause and effect methods. The common denominator God requires for receiving a gift and earning a reward is faith. My prayer is that He will help me develop a greater desire for His word so that my faith will progressively get stronger and stronger.
"Then they asked Him, 'What must we do to do the works God requires?'
Jesus answered, 'The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.'"
John 6:28-29
"Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free."
Ephesians 6:7-8