God's Thank You
“I’m going to shake the dust of this crummy little town off my feet and see the world!” That’s a line from a popular movie this time of the year, “It’s A Wonderful Life”. The main character, George Bailey, thought he was going to find greatness in building skyscrapers, bridges, and airfields, but he would soon find that the value of his life was measured in a completely different way.
The Apostle Paul states (Ephesians 2:10), “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” This powerful scripture affirms that God truly does have a plan for each of our lives.
George Bailey never did leave his little town of Bedford Falls and thought that he was missing out on his “good works”. However, as he stayed home doing “good deeds” through a little family building and loan business, a special messenger would soon show him how the ripple of his simple acts of kindness would be greater than all his visions of grandeur.
Have you ever felt prompted to give to a charity, help someone in need, or simply offer a word of encouragement? There are so many ways we can fulfill the commandment of Jesus to “Love one another as I have loved you”.
As a human being you can’t possibly know the complete ripple effect of all your “good works” of love. In fact, you’ve probably forgotten many of them. However, there is someone Who does know the full impact of your kindness and hasn’t forgotten a single “good work”.
The Apostle Paul indicates that each one of us will stand before God and be rewarded for those “good works” that we did here on Earth. Jesus said (Matthew 6:20-21), “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
What will the rewards and treasures look like? When my child would scribble a crayon picture of us together and hand it to me, I would cherish that picture and proudly display it in my office. Why? Not because of the intrinsic value of the paper and the crayon but because my child was thinking of me when she drew it. That’s why it was precious.
In the same way, our treasures in heaven will be precious. God is going to give you something He uniquely created just for you to say, “Thank you for loving one another”. Will it be something tangible or could it simply be the gift of seeing the ripple effect of how your “good works” brightened this world and even helped to populate heaven?
In any case, it will be eternal, and no one will ever be able to steal “God’s Thank You” that will speak His appreciation to your heart for all eternity!
The Apostle Paul states (Ephesians 2:10), “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” This powerful scripture affirms that God truly does have a plan for each of our lives.
George Bailey never did leave his little town of Bedford Falls and thought that he was missing out on his “good works”. However, as he stayed home doing “good deeds” through a little family building and loan business, a special messenger would soon show him how the ripple of his simple acts of kindness would be greater than all his visions of grandeur.
Have you ever felt prompted to give to a charity, help someone in need, or simply offer a word of encouragement? There are so many ways we can fulfill the commandment of Jesus to “Love one another as I have loved you”.
As a human being you can’t possibly know the complete ripple effect of all your “good works” of love. In fact, you’ve probably forgotten many of them. However, there is someone Who does know the full impact of your kindness and hasn’t forgotten a single “good work”.
The Apostle Paul indicates that each one of us will stand before God and be rewarded for those “good works” that we did here on Earth. Jesus said (Matthew 6:20-21), “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
What will the rewards and treasures look like? When my child would scribble a crayon picture of us together and hand it to me, I would cherish that picture and proudly display it in my office. Why? Not because of the intrinsic value of the paper and the crayon but because my child was thinking of me when she drew it. That’s why it was precious.
In the same way, our treasures in heaven will be precious. God is going to give you something He uniquely created just for you to say, “Thank you for loving one another”. Will it be something tangible or could it simply be the gift of seeing the ripple effect of how your “good works” brightened this world and even helped to populate heaven?
In any case, it will be eternal, and no one will ever be able to steal “God’s Thank You” that will speak His appreciation to your heart for all eternity!
Pastor Ed House
Door of Life Christian Church, Sister Bay
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