Work and RestSample

God values our good works

Yesterday, we read how our salvation and the eternal rest of life in God’s presence are not earned by our own work, but by Jesus’ life and death. That does not mean, however, that God doesn’t value our work. It does matter what we do in life and what our deeds and our work are.

This is for example expressed in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15. This passage says that our salvation is based on Jesus Christ. He is the foundation we can trust completely. But we are encouraged to build upon this foundation with lasting, valuable materials. If our work is pleasant in God’s eyes, it will last and we will receive a reward.

This “work” that God values, is not limited to paid jobs or socially respected positions. Matthew 25 mentions some examples of valuable work: feeding someone who is hungry, welcoming a stranger, or visiting the sick, to name a few. These are expressions of love that anybody can show, and that are much needed in a broken world. This ‘work’ may not gain us people’s respect, a good salary, or social status. But God will reward it.