Many days it feels like we work hard just to get up the next day to work even harder. And it often seems like there’s no end to the work we’re called to do. But while we were created to work, we also want to enjoy the fruit of our labor and know our work is not in vain.
Of course, we know we must provide for our families and play our part to bring more life and goodness into the world. And we willingly pour out our blood, sweat, and tears time and again to make this happen. It’s a sacrifice we’re willing to make.
But our willingness doesn’t stop us from wanting to be rewarded for our efforts all the same. This is not to make a name for ourselves or to somehow prove we deserve accolades of some kind. It’s simply honoring the basic principle that those who work deserve their pay.
And while we know our endurance in this life ultimately leads to the crown of life God has promised to those who love him, part of us still wants regular moments of enjoying the fruit of our labor in this life as well.
This is the feeling we get after a hard day of work or an intense and trying conversation with our wife or kids. We showed up and offered our strength – spilled ourselves for the good of the other and now we long for some type of orgasmic reward, something that affirms and blesses us for the effort we gave.
Evil takes advantage of this desire when it is not honored in godly ways and tempts us to settle for counterfeit rewards through our many vices.
In the end, work hard and learn to enjoy the fruit of your labor along the way, even as you wait for your ultimate reward in the life to come.
Photo by Maja Petric on Unsplash
