Sowing & Reaping Part 1: Heavenly Reward Zone

The Bible teaches us that whatever we sow we will also reap (Galatians 6:7). This series of posts will focus on that concept in general, and focus in on several areas in our lives where we can sow the right seed, and reap a harvest of rewards and benefits from God...

I find it interesting sometimes to sit and listen to people talk about the benefits of living in God's kingdom. At times, you'd think coming to Christ and living for Him was tantamount to winning the megabucks lotto. Don't get me wrong, I'm a firm believer that walking in God's ways is the best life to live, and as David said in Psalm 16:11, in God's presence there is fullness of joy and at His right hand pleasures forevermore. David also said not to forget all the benefits of God in Psalm 103:2. But this same David also spoke of putting himself in the position of blessing in 2 Samuel 22:20-28. Let's examine a few portions of this passage:

The Lord has dealt with me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands he has rewarded me. (v 21)

I have been blameless before him and have kept myself from sin. The Lord has rewarded me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in his sight. (vv 24 & 25)

To the faithful you show yourself faithful, to the blameless you show yourself blameless, to the pure you show yourself pure, but to the devious you show yourself shrewd. You save the humble, but your eyes are on the haughty to bring them low. (vv 26 & 27)

What was David doing? He was sowing seeds of righteousness, obedience, and faithfulness. That's why he reaped a harvest of blessing from God. Out of curiosity, where would people get the understanding that we come to Christ and it's smooth sailing after that, regardless of how we conduct our lives? Some people think we can commit ourselves to God in prayer one time and then live any old way we please, but these verses sharply contrast that idea. David is clear that God rewards according to behavior. Good parents will love their children no matter what, but shouldn't (and good parents don't) reward bad behavior with candy, toys, and privileges. Instead, they train their children by establishing a system of rewards and punishments based on a meritorious system of behavior...

It's the same with God, and this is consistent throughout scripture. Hebrews 11:6 tells us God is a rewarder of those that "diligently seek Him," while James 4:8 says to draw close to God and He will draw close to us. Again and again the scripture tells us that in order to live in the zone of blessings and rewards, we need to make a conscious effort to be there. It doesn't happen simply because we got saved way back when.

It's entirely possible to be saved and make it all the way to Heaven, but live a life that's far below our potential because we fail to live in that blessing zone. For instance, the Bible teaches us to work hard and provide for ourselves and our family (2 Thess 3:10-12, 1 Tim 5:8). Well, if we choose rather to be lazy and rely on charity of others or the government dole, we might well be saved, but not be able to make our mortgage payment. If we want God to bless us, we need to give him something to work with.

If we want blessings and rewards in our family, we should follow the Bible's prescription for raising a family, if we desire spiritual blessings and gifts, we should see what God requires to step into that zone. The list goes on and on, but I think you get the point. We need to do our part, and God will do His. Again, I end with a scripture already mentioned, James 4:8:

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. (NLT)

As we progress further in this serious, we'll explore various areas where we can sow into our lives, and reap a harvest of rewards and benefits in God. It's all about getting into that heavenly reward zone!!!