"Reward" | Reflection by Barb Hedberg

A reward is often thought of as something tangible received for doing some good action. Dogs get a treat when they sit. We sign up to get rewards for buying from a store. Kids get stickers for getting all their spelling words correct or cleaning up their toys. As Christians we believe our reward will be in heaven for living a good life.

But what is better: a sticker or the understanding that we learned something? Intrinsic rewards are far more powerful and long lasting. We live in a world where tangible rewards are applauded and highly respected. The rewards of our work are often tangible. We strive to acquire a big house, a fancy car, or an exotic vacation. Perhaps we would be happier by focusing on the intrinsic rewards of living a truly Christian life rather than focusing on the endgame of heaven. Allowing ourselves to feel the rewards of becoming our best selves in our daily lives by continued learning, hard work, loving others, and contributing to our communities in a positive way may well free us from the confines of the more tangible rewards we often seek.