Title: The Reward of Praise
Date: Oct 30, 2008
Topic(s): Service/Servanthood, Jesus, Heaven, Pain/Suffering
Scripture: Colossians 3:23-24, Matthew 6:1-2, 1 Corinthians 4:4-5, 1 Thessalonians 2:4-6, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Matthew 25:21
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Sir Philip Sidney, a 16th century English statesman, said, "It is great happiness to be praised by them who are most praiseworthy."
Who is most worthy of all praise, honor and glory? Jesus, of course. So, whose praise would you most like to hear for your service? The answer should be Jesus'. In fact, when you stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ and hear Him say, "Well done," that will be a "great happiness" which lasts for all eternity.
In Matthew 25, Jesus told a parable about a master who entrusted his wealth to his servants while he was away. On his return, the servants were judged and rewarded. "His master said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master'" (Matthew 25:21, ESV).
Jesus will do the same with us. One day He will return to judge our service, and He will commend the faithful, fruitful work we've done. He'll reward us in a number of ways, but that personal praise will be worth it all.
The apostle Paul focused on this future praise in 1 Corinthians 4:4-5. "It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God" (ESV). This praise can be a great motivation for service.
On the other hand, if you do good things so that people here and now notice, you're working for the wrong praise. In Matthew 6:1-2, Jesus said, "Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward" (ESV).
If you're serving or living righteously so that everyone around you see you and thinks you're the best Christian ever--if their praise is all you want, then that's all you'll get. And you will miss the more worthwhile praise of Christ.
These passages offer further insight into our motivation for praise and service.
1 Thessalonians 2:4-6
Colossians 3:23-24
1 Peter 1:6-7
In Matthew 25:21, the Master praises the "good and faithful servant."
So, whose praise are you working for today? There's nothing wrong with graciously accepting praise from someone who recognizes or appreciates your service or your example. Just check your motivation. Did you do it expecting people to praise you? Are you hoping everyone notices how good your spiritual example is? Are you disappointed or even angry when your service isn't recognized?
In his book, Facing Your Final Job Review, Woodrow Kroll writes "How much a commendation by our Lord means to us after the judgment seat will depend on how much we love and respect him." We put more stock in praise from those we love and respect. So, are you content to settle for the temporary praise of the people around you? Or does your love for Christ compel you to desire and work for His perfect and eternal praise?
(Facing Your Final Job Review, p. 161)
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