The Reward Factor

Scripture: Revelation 22:12–13, NIV

“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” (Revelation 22:12-13, NIV)

Jesus Christ is coming back to this world soon!

Unfortunately, most people give no thought to the certainty of his return. But for KingdomNomics thinkers, this passage is the MAJOR motivating factor in life.

Jesus Christ is not only coming back, but he is bringing his reward with him. He is going to give to each person according to what he or she has done in this world.

“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 3:11, NIV).

“If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames” (1 Corinthians 3:14–15, NIV).

We must be careful to make sure that Jesus Christ is the foundation on which our life is built. We want our activity to be Christ-sourced and Holy Spirit empowered, reflecting the reality of the Word of God operating in our lives.

Our works should be an outgrowth, an outward manifestation of his working in us. “…For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:13, NKJV).

It is God’s glory that counts, not ours. Someone once said we do not want to get near the “glory stone.” In practicing KingdomNomics, we strive to be low-profile, high-impact players who help fulfill the Great Commission.

Today’s Scripture from Revelation 22:12–13 also states how Christ is the Beginning and the End. The time and the space in between is “filler,” impacted by what we do with our time, talent, and treasure.

Paul was able to say, “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain” (Philippians 1:21, NIV). Christ was the “filler” in his life. Christ became Paul’s all-consuming passion because Paul had his eyes fixed on eternal values.

The question for you and me is, “What is the ‘filler’ between the beginning and the end of our lives?”

Fill in the blank:

For me to live is_____________.