r e w a r d s

Colossians 3:24-25

Take a moment to think about the rewards that come from competing in sport.  The rewards for performing well in sport are numerous.  You probably thought of things like trophies, rings, medals and ribbons.  You may have also had thoughts of more intangible rewards like satisfaction, fame, and exhilaration.  The other side of performance based rewards is that when you perform poorly, there are less attractive rewards attached.  Who among us hasn’t felt the sting of disappointment, pain and disgust after a bad competition? 

We all have memories of being rewarded for a poor performance with second-guessing, ridicule or embarrassment.  Both kinds of rewards for athletic performance are given without regard to our position or prestige as competitors.

The Apostle Paul wrote about rewards in his letter to the Colossians at chapter 3 and verses 24 through 25, “…since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward.  It is the Lord Christ you are serving.  Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.”

The exciting thing about this scripture is that it tells of another basis for reward that’s more secure than your latest performance on the field of competition.  The reward that comes from inheritance is not based on your performance, but on your relationship with God through Christ Jesus.  Christ rewards those related to Him with gifts like love, peace, security, patience and self-control.  Competitors who love God find these rewards to be more enduring and of infinitely greater value than those which come from performance.

As you prepare for this competition, give all that you have to perform at your very best.  You owe that to your team, to yourself and ultimately to the Lord Christ you are serving.  Strongly pursue the rewards that come from performing well in your sport.  At the same time, beware the trap of being only in touch with the rewards based on your performance.  Trust fully in the Lord Jesus and reap the daily reward of your inheritance in Him. 

Bible Reading Plan:

Mark 2:13-17

I Corinthians 6:1-11