God Rewards Those Who Earnestly Seek Him

When the young couple asked their father for a large interest-free loan to buy a house, he was happy to help. In fact, he planned to surprise them the following year by giving them the remainder of the loan as a gift. It was his pleasure to bless them. 

But over the next few months, their interest in him all but disappeared. They were enjoying their new home and they had no time for him. He tried to explain his disappointment, but they didn’t respond.(1)

That’s when he realized his gifts were only feeding their selfishness, and he quit being generous.

Our Heavenly Father has given us the greatest gift – a "new home" with Him in Christ. If we respond selfishly, we’ll also forfeit spiritual blessings (Matthew 25:14-30; 1 Corinthians 3:9-15; 2 Corinthians 9:6; Galatians 6:7-9). 

Instead, let's consider how much we owe Him and gratefully give Him our best (Romans 12:1-2; Hebrews 11:6).  

(1) This is not a true story, but it is based on many true stories of people who lose blessings through ingratitude and selfishness.

Bible Study

When we become Christians, we’re no longer held eternally responsible for our sins, but God continues to reward faithfulness. If we're selfish with our time and resources, we'll forfeit blessings. 

Galatians 6:7-9: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 

1 Corinthians 3:9-15: For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care. 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. 15 If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames. 

2 Corinthians 9:6: Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 

Romans 12:1-2: Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Hebrews 11:6: And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
copyright 2017, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com