Fear Of Reward

While in the Federal University of Technology Owerri, there was a time our course advisor took us to an office called FUTO Consult which was very close to FUTO medical center to show us our results. While we were there waiting for the result, the whole atmosphere was filled with strong uneasiness and fear of what the result might be. Then one of my friends whispered to me, 'Chris I think this man brought us close to FUTO medicals in case some people faint'.

For many years the verses of the scripture that troubled me most are those that talk about reward. It is very ironic! Reward as a word connotes something positive but the time of reward ends up being one of the most apprehensive moments of our lives. This is probably because of the flawed nature of the human reward system or more appropriately because we hardly pay attention to what we sow and are unconcerned with the way we live our lives until the time of reaping.

I think the words of Jesus that scare me most were what he said about those who do things to be seen by men. 'When you give to someone in need, don't do as the hypocrites do'blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I tell you the truth, they have received all the reward they will ever get.' (Matthew 6:2). Each time I want to do something with the sole intention to show off, this verse comes to my mind and I shiver in fear.

Don't live your life as though what you do today will have no impact on what will become of you tomorrow. It does have an impact and you must be very conscious of it. The bible said, 'Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.' (Galatians 6:7). To live as though today has no impact on your tomorrow is to live in self-deceit. You must be conscious of the implications of your life, actions, and attitude to your future. 'For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption, but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.'

What is your plan for tomorrow? What kind of man or woman do you want to become? You have to consciously prepare and sow the right seed today to become such a person. The only way to overcome the fear of reward is to become the master of your circumstance. Master of your fate! You must understand and accept that you have a very crucial role to play in the making of your tomorrow's reality. Paul wrote, 'Now if we judged ourselves properly, we would not come under judgment.' (1 Corinthians 11:31) This means that you can approach reward time with joy instead of apprehension because you know what it holds for you.

Whatever you find yourself doing, do it with the understanding that there is a reward in it. If you're serving someone, serve him as though there is a bigger reward in it than what you can see because actually there is. Work as though there is a reward for your work beyond what your employer pays. Sow the right seed today and you will be bold on the day of judgment.
'If God's love is made perfect in us, we can be without fear on the day when God judges the world. We will be without fear because in this world we are like Jesus.' (1 John 4:17).

Live your life in such a way that you'll be looking forward to the day of harvest instead of being terrified by the thought of reward.