In this episode of the Weekday Podcast, Pastor Chuck explores the concept of the "reward of conduct," emphasizing that while good deeds do not earn salvation, they hold significance both in this life and in eternity. Drawing from scriptures like Jeremiah 17:10 and Ephesians 2:8-9, the message highlights that salvation is a gift from God, but our deeds are rewarded by Him, reflecting our motives and intentions.
Hi everybody, and thanks for joining me on today's weekday podcast. I want to talk today about the reward of conduct. I know that's an odd phrase, but the reward of conduct. Jeremiah chapter 17:10 says this, "I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve."
You know, athletes are rewarded with trophies. Hardworking students receive good grades and scholarships. Rewards on the job often result in a raise or paid commission. Well, in this life, we work hard, we get a prize. And so it is with God. He rewards us according to our deeds and our conduct.
Now, some might picture our deeds, well, weighed on a scale with like good deeds on one side and bad stuff on the other, with the heaviest deeds deciding the fate of our afterlife. But that's not a real thing. Nothing we do earns us the prize of heaven. Eternal life is not earned as a reward. It's a gift. Accepting Christ as the savior of our life grants us the gates of heaven. And as far as determining our fate, it really is that simple. Just take a look at Ephesians chapter 2 verses 8 and 9. But our deeds here on earth are rewarded. They're rewarded diversely in our afterlife in heaven.
First Corinthians 15 says, "The sun has one kind of splendor, the moon another, and the stars another, and stars differ from stars in splendor. So it will be with the resurrection of the dead." So you see, just as stars differ in splendor, so will we in heaven. Like think of our good deeds as seeds that plant into our eternities. When our time on this world is over, the good deed seeds we planted here sprout into something splendid in heaven.
But even though our good deeds don't save us, God loves the fact that we do these. And those good deeds that God expects them from us, in fact, prepare good works in advance for us to do. Not only does he reward us in heaven for them, he will reward us here on earth as well.
I mean, a few examples. Love and faithfulness earn us a good name, according to Proverbs. Obedience brings us both joy and a prosperous life, according to Deuteronomy and the Gospel of John.Prayer and thanksgiving give us peace, according to Philippians. Humility earns riches, honor and life back to Proverbs.
You know, interestingly, it's our heart and our minds that are examined to determine our reward. Offering a gift with a hidden selfish motive isn't going to get it done. God's more interested in the thoughts, motives and intentions that prompt our actions. So start planting the good deed seeds. But as you do, check yourself for pure motives. We might be able to say with David, search me, God, and know my heart. Test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there's any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Oh, my friend, your deeds matter, but your heart matters most.
God bless you. I hope you have a great day. And thanks again for joining me on today's weekday podcast.
