What’s In Your Wallet?
By Patricia Jackson
McDowell County
There are numerous credit card marketing slogans we frequently hear. A popular one is the Capital One Credit Card “What’s in Your Wallet”? The TD Bank Credit Card promises to “Help build up credit. Rewards earned are points you can redeem for cash or gifts back. Everyday spending can add up to big rewards”. The Belk Rewards Credit Card “Gets even better over time – The more you spend, the sweeter the rewards are.” We all like rewards cards that promise gifts, cash, or merchandise discounts. We will only receive the rewards or benefits from a credit card if we use the card.
Merriam-Webster defines Rewards as something given in return for good or evil done or received, or that is offered or given for some service or attainment. A reward is most often a benefit.
In Daniel Ch. 2, King Nebuchadnezzar dreamed a dream and wanted the magicians, astrologers, sorcerers, or Chaldeans to interpret the dream. In V. 6, he promised them gifts, rewards, and great honor. However, he had forgotten the dream. Unless they could tell him, the dream and interpret it, they would be cut in pieces, and their houses made a dunghill. They assured the King that no man on earth could shew the King’s dream. The King became furious and decreed that all wise men be slain, as well as Daniel and his fellows.
When Daniel heard of the King’s request, he asked the King for time to allow him to interpret the dream. He told the King, “There is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets and make known to the King what shall be in the latter days.”
After Daniel interrupted the dream, the King fell upon his face and worshipped Daniel. Daniel’s life was spared; he received an oblation (religious offering) and sweet odors (perfume). Daniel and his friends were promoted to high office, a reward or benefit recognizing a victory accomplished through their prayers.
Hebrews 11:6 tells us “That he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” The rewards we receive in Heaven are not like the rewards we earn here on earth. Any reward we gain in Heaven will be precious to us because it is directly the result of our relationship with God and how we served him. God is looking for opportunities to reward us for what we do on this earth. He rewards patience, hard work, obedience, faithfulness, and many other things. Psalm 68:19 tells us” The Lord daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our Salvation.”
The word “Reward” is found seventy-eight times in the KJV Bible. Matthew 5:12 tells us to “rejoice and be exceedingly glad; for great is your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you”. 1 Corinthians 3:14 states, “If any man’s work abides which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.”
The Bible tells us five specific crowns will be presented as rewards to believers when they appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).
1) Crown of Life (James 1:12 & Rev. 2:10)” Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.” It is bestowed upon those who persevere under trials. Jesus references this crown when he tells the Church in Smyrna not to be afraid for what they will suffer but be faithful even to the point of death.
2) Incorruptible or Imperishable Crown (1 Corinthians 9:25) Refers to the Corinthians who held foot races. The prize was a perishable wreath, and only one would receive it, but we are imperishable. Those who compete in a race usually exercise self-control in more things.
3) Crown of Righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) Is promised to those who fight a good fight, finish the course and keep the faith.
4) Crown of Glory is discussed in 1 Peter 5:4 “Feed the flock of God, and when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away”.
5) Crown of rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19) “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For ye are our glory and joy”. This crown is also referred to as the Soul Winners Crown.” The apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 4:4 to “rejoice always in the Lord” for all the bountiful blessings our gracious God has showered upon us.” As Christians, we have more in this life to rejoice about than anyone else. Luke tells us there is rejoicing even now in Heaven (Luke 15:7). The crown of rejoicing will be our reward where “God will wipe away every tear . . . there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:4).
In Psalm 116:12, the writer asks, “What shall I render unto the Lord for all His benefits towards me”? The answer is found in the following two verses:” I will take the cup of salvation; call upon the name of the Lord, and I will pay my vows unto the Lord”. The cards in our wallets are only for earthly reward. We should “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal.” (Matthew 6:20).
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Patricia Jackson is the Assistant Teacher for the Ladies Class at Redeemed Free Will Baptist Church, Glenwood, NC. She is a grant writer for non-profits, a published author and retired Nursing Home Administrator. She lives in Rutherford County with her husband. Contact information: email address: wyo2go@bellsouth.net.
You can read more good Christian news from Patricia HERE.
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