Does my best truly matter to God?
Recently, I was having a chat with some friends on a social media platform, and the topic of why some people prosper and others don’t, came up. The question we all asked ourselves was, “Is there any value to living right for God? Does he appreciate my efforts to do my best for him?” As usual, I turned to the Bible for some insights, and I have shared few of them below. I hope you will be encouraged.
- He Makes Your Enemies Be At Peace with You
Proverbs 16:7 “When the LORD takes pleasure in anyone’s ways, he causes their enemies to make peace with them.” (NIV)
Imagine your greatest enemy wanting to make peace with you. Wouldn’t you ask yourself why he or she has had a change of heart? Well, I suggest that because God sees how you are living, and he is pleased with you, he gives you favor with the people around you, friend and foe alike. In short, living a life that pleases God grants you his favor in all that you do.
- He Delights In You
Psalm 147:11 “No, the LORD’s delight is in those who fear him, those who put their faith in his unfailing love.” (NLT)
Have you ever seen a proud parent who sees his child take the first step, say the first word, receive an award in school or walk down the aisle? Well, just as this parent delights in the achievements of his child, the Lord delights in us who fear him. The fact that we have chosen to trust in him and walk in his ways makes him want to give us whatever we ask for. Now – I don’t mean that he always gives us what we ask for, but we can be sure that his answer is ALWAYS in our best interests. Most importantly, because we fear and trust in him, he watches our backs, just as an earthly parent would.
- He Prepares a Reward for You
Colossians 3:23-24 “Work willingly at whatever you do, as you were working for the Lord rather than for people. Remember that the Lord will give you an inheritance as your reward, and that the Master you are serving is Christ.” (NLT)
Employees work very hard when they are promised bonuses and awards, right? Students work extra hard when their parents promise them gifts at the end of the school term, don’t they? In the same way, we can continue to work hard for the Lord knowing that a reward that awaits us ahead. This reward may, however, come immediately, after a long while, or even in the next life. Our job is therefore to work at whatever God has given us to do wholeheartedly because we want to please him, not because there is a reward.
It is entirely reasonable and human to want to excel in this life. God, however, wants us to look beyond what is available here on earth, and focus on what lies beyond this present life. Focus, therefore on the eternal prize that awaits you, and let God take care of everything else. The verse below summarizes this point perfectly:
1 Corinthians 9:25 “All athletes are disciplined in their training. They do it to win a prize that will fade away, but we do it for an eternal prize.” (NLT)
Yes, God DOES value your best, and will most certainly reward you, when he is ready to do so. In the meantime, continue to do your best for him!