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His comment came
during one of the most taxing times of a school year.
As I stood
outside my doorway during class changes, a young man whom I had previously taught passed my way. I normally speak to him first, but this day, he
spoke first.
“Dr. Wiles, you
were hard on us, but it paid off in the end.”
His comment
shocked me. We teachers rarely hear remarks like this while students are still
in school. Perhaps during graduation speeches or after they enter high school
or college, but not while still under our tutelage.
I smiled a large
smile, thinking this was one of his normal smart remarks he was known for, and
said, “I’m glad.”
With an even
larger smile, he remarked, “I’m serious.”
This interaction
was one of those rare occurrences when a teacher receives confirmation they are
doing a good job at what they do. I thanked him for his comment. The remainder
of my hectic day took on a new shape. I had been rewarded, not monetarily, but
in a way money couldn’t buy.
Wanting rewards
for our actions is normal. Never receiving recognition leads to a
miserable existence. Jesus’ disciples were rewarded with something many others
weren’t: the ability to understand the parables he taught. When they didn’t, he
explained them.
God’s greatest
reward is the assurance of salvation and comes when we trust in what Jesus did
on Calvary’s cross and follow him as our Savior. The work God assigns to us children
can be challenging. Some of the work he has given me taxed my ability to cope,
understand, and carry it out.
But God rewards
our good works. He gives more opportunities in the present and promises crowns
in the future. Regardless of how he rewards us, we must always remember to
praise him for any accomplishments that result. We can do all things through
Christ—but nothing worthy apart from him.
While good works
don’t produce salvation, they should result when forgiveness of sins has
occurred. They are the proof in the pudding. Using them to serve God in new and
fresh ways—and to say “Thank You” for his salvation—is the only wise thing to
do.
Think about what
you are doing with the rewards God has given you.
Father, move me
to serve you faithfully as I anticipate the rewards you will give for my obedience.
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