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You see, if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, because an obligation is laid on me, and woe to me if I do not preach the gospel!

1 Corinthians 9:16, EHV

If you do only what is expected of you, do you expect a reward? This is what Paul is speaking of as he is writing to the people of Corinth. As followers of Christ, the minimum expectation is that we are willing to do as God calls us to do. Do you support the ministry? Great! Do you read your Bible? Wonderful! Do you worship regularly? Spectacular! Do you believe in Jesus Christ? Fabulous! The reward is in each of those things because you are given all that our Lord has to offer, but these things are expectations, not achievements that deserve extra honor and praise. In the eyes of the world, however, these are viewed as achievements, and this was true at the time of Paul and that is why he wrote what he wrote. What we see is not as God sees. God’s rewards are not merit-based. Jesus didn’t die on the Cross so we could feel good, but to bring us into the promise of eternity. He didn’t do this for us to live like the world, but to show us the love of the Father and restore us to how we were meant to be for eternity. The Gospel is to help unwind the bonds of sin on Creation and free us all from the deception of the world and into the saving grace of the Father. In Christ, we are to know the peace that was meant for all of Creation and live in His promises. Let Him be your peace.

Let us pray. I thank you, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, your dear Son, that you have kept me this night from all harm and danger, and I ask you to protect me this day also from sin and every evil, that in all I do today, I may please you. For into your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all that is mine. Let your holy angel watch over me, that the wicked foe have no power over me. Amen.