About Rewards

Over the years I have received a couple of awards or rewards for accomplishments in ministry. We seem to be convinced that this is a good idea. We spend a fair amount of energy and money on those who have acheived something we perceive to be of value in God's Work. I just read of another pastor who received an award. His district deemed that his accomplishments were worthy of honor and I don't dispute that.

But I am wondering what this does to us. Are we motivated by rewards? Are we shamed into action by watching others receive rewards? Do those rewarded somehow have a better life after the rewards are given than they had before? Are we subtly trying to motivate them and ourselves to even greater accomplishments? Is all of this worldly?

Jesus warns us not to do our acts of righteousness to be seen by men. He states very clearly that, if we do, we will have NO REWARD from God. (Matthew 6:1) I am feeling badly about the times when I have publicly rewarded people for their work or service. What have I done to them? I have given them a far lesser reward than God could give. Now, I know that the problem is not on my end as the reward giver. It is the heart of the person who does the work that is the issue here. But do we help hearts when we give earthly rewards? Or do we contribute to the subtle perversion of motives and attitudes that eventually corrupts the good heart of a servant of God.

I have to admit that I feel it when others are receiving rewards and I have not made the grade. It's not as bad now as it was when I was younger. I think I have figured out who I am working for and who I should be trying to please. But I do wonder what our motive is when we give out these rewards. Is it subtle manipulation on our part? Have we bought into an unbiblical and unspiritual practice?

What do you think?