Sermon On The Rewards Of Life

John Burroughs, an American naturalist and nature essayist once remarked: “To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter... to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring - these are some of the rewards of the simple life.” Matthew 6:1-2 reminds us: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. “Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.”

A reward is defined as a thing given in recognition, effort or achievement. It can include such things as a gift, money, a tribute, a medal or decoration conferred as an honour, the building of a monument, or perhaps just simple words such as a “Thank you.”

Rewards are often regarded as beneficial. With children in their teenage years, they can encourage good behaviour or perhaps remunerate for small tasks undertaken such as washing up, mowing the lawn, shopping etc. They can provide a sense of satisfaction that efforts have not gone unnoticed. Colossians 3:23-24 suggests: “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.”

Rewards can include beautiful constructions in the world, built to be admired and appreciated by all, but also to confer personal commendations. The Taj Mahal is believed to have been completed in its entirety in 1653 on the instructions of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, as a loving tribute to his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died whilst giving birth to their fourteenth child on the 17 June 1631. The Taj Mahal is currently listed as one of the "New Seven Wonders of the World." Its literal name is defined as: "The Crown of the Palaces."

It is situated on the right bank of the river Yamuna in India and is primarily made of white marble. It is considered an immense mausoleum which contains the tombs of both Shah Jahan and his favourite wife, Mumtaz. It is considered a masterpiece of architecture which is visited daily by tourists. It is renowned as one of the world's greatest symbols of love. Abdul Salam, a Pakistani theoretical physicist once remarked: “It is good to recall that three centuries ago, around the year 1660, two of the greatest monuments of modern history were erected, one in the West and one in the East; St. Paul's Cathedral in London and the Taj Mahal in Agra. Between them, the two symbolize, perhaps better than words can describe, the comparative level of architectural technology, the comparative level of craftsmanship and the comparative level of affluence and sophistication the two cultures had attained at that epoch of history. But about the same time there was also created - and this time only in the West - a third monument, a monument still greater in its eventual import for humanity. This was Newton's Principia, published in 1687. Newton's work had no counterpart in the India of the Mughals.”

Rewards can provide benefits, which may enhance a life. One of the greatest rewards that we can receive in our life is the presence of God. If we accept and follow God, then we will often attain the greatest reward that life can offer. It will be far greater than any other gift that we could receive from others as an acknowledgement for our efforts. Service to God and following His wishes on the pathway of life can lead to wonderment.

If we have a close relationship with God, it can provide security in our lives. Protection and provision are two of the fundamental benefits that God bestows upon us. Our life may feel contented and satisfied just as an enjoyable meal can nourish and sustain.

We may experience happiness and see life from a totally different perspective. Psalm 91:1- 5 confirms: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” For he will deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the deadly pestilence. He will cover you with his pinions, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness is a shield and buckler. You will not fear the terror of the night, nor the arrow that flies by day.”