Heavenly Reward Program

(Originally Published in the Daily Press - Religion Section 10-18-14)

Within 32 seconds of Googling “reward program” I had more than 66,300,000 hits.  Our brains were designed with a reward center in place and marketing companies capitalize on this as evidenced by the endless hits of incentives for our faithfulness.

The Colloquy report recently stated “93% of U.S. consumers said the type of reward offered is a “very important” or “somewhat important” factor in their decisions to join a loyalty program and to remain engaged with a brand.” 

But does this type of reward really offer intrinsic motivation to stay loyal?  A great deal of scientific research supports the fact that extrinsic reward systems can actually be counter-productive in the end. When the reward is the end goal the product or experience has lost its true value.

We see this in Rosie Ruiz who in 1980 finished first in the women’s division of the Boston marathon. A week later race officials stripped her of the title upon learning she had entered the race in the last mile. Extrinsic motivation for a title was her goal rather than an intrinsic motivation to run the race and finish well.

This is an important concept to grasp because Scripture states Christians will receive rewards in heaven based on their faithfulness. The true meaning of this may get distorted within the rising entitlement culture of America.

While the Bible does say there will be degrees of rewards in heaven (1 Cor. 3:12-15) each person will be complete without measure to the reward received.  Our happiness will not rest on what we have. If happiness were predicated on status, the only one that could be fully happy would be God. The Bible says there will be no weeping or sorrow (Rev. 21:4) so obviously we won’t be comparing our circumstances with others.

The heavenly reward ceremony won’t resemble the Academy Awards. It won’t be a black tie affair with Oscar buzz where Christians are competing for best performance on Earth. Competitiveness will not exist in heaven.

What is your motivation for reward?  Finishing well and understanding the importance of why we are working on Earth is more important than the reward.

Are your good deeds front and center for all to see? Are you motivated by monetary gain or public praise?  Let’s face it; it’s easier to do what’s right when we gain recognition and praise, right? Jesus said those that do their deeds for all to see have “received their reward in full” (Matt 6:2). 

A good rule of thumb is to ask yourself: “does this make God look good or am I doing this so I look good?” The issue becomes heart motivation. It is true that much of what we do for kingdom sake goes unseen by others, but be encouraged; Jesus says, “your Father who sees what is done in secret, will reward you” (Matt. 6:4).  

The greatest incentive for your faithfulness should revolve around the Creator of the original reward program.  Anything else is just a knock off. 

The Rev. Heidi Summers is affiliated with Freedom in Christ Ministries, is a board certified pastoral counselor, board certified life coach and is currently completing her doctorate at Fuller Theological Seminary.