Temporary Rewards vs. Lasting Rewards

Rewards are a significant factor in creating motivation. If we know there's a good thing at the end of our work, we will usually do the work. The trick is to understand the difference between temporary rewards and lasting rewards. Proverbs 20 offers wisdom in considering the different types of rewards and their implications.

"A sluggard does not plow in season; so at harvest he looks but finds nothing" (Prov. 20:4). A lazy person "rewards" himself with relaxation in the present moment. But a wise worker understands the future will come, so he rewards himself with food at harvest time by doing the work when it needs to be done.

"The righteous man leads a blameless life; blessed are his children after him" (Prov. 20:7). Parents must make difficult choices in raising their children. Sometimes it is tempting to participate in unethical or questionable behavior in work situations in order to advance one's career. One could justify that he or she is trying to make more money for the benefit of his or her children. But at what cost? Being a model of integrity is a better blessing to one's kids than more money, or the hope of more money. Sometimes it seems better to give one's children many things, such as toys and clothes. But in the long run, the children may become spoiled by such extravagance, may never be satisfied in their adult lives, and may not have thankful hearts. A heart of contentment and gratitude is a greater blessing than dozens of toys under a Christmas tree that will eventually end up being relegated to the attic. (Note: Giving to one's children is certainly a good thing. Just be aware of how many things and be sure to develop their own generosity to others.)

"Even a child is known by his actions, by whether his conduct is pure and right" (Prov. 20:11). I am not a parent, but I imagine that it is often exhausting and frustrating when disciplining a child. It is easier to give in to a child, but when a lesson in developing his or her character is at hand, you will be blessing your child with lasting rewards by sticking to your guns and doing what you know what is best for your child in the long run. Better to develop good habits early on than to do to break bad habits later.

"Do not say, 'I'll pay you back for this wrong!' Wait for the LORD, and he will deliver you" (Prov. 20:22). This one really doesn't make sense to the world. The choice in this situation is either the temporary reward of getting revenge or the lasting reward of knowing you are acting as God would want you to. Plus, I don't think vengeance brings joy. But deliverance does.

So what do we do when the way to lasting rewards doesn't seem to make sense? Here's what Solomon said: "A man's steps are directed by the LORD. How then can anyone understand his own way?" (Prov. 20:24). If you are truly seeking God's will for your life and are following the Spirit's prompting, you may not even understand what you're doing! But God will know where He is leading you. And that's all you really need to know. Remember: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

Here's the "oops, I messed up again and didn't do the wise thing" verse: "Who can say, 'I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin'?" (Prov. 20:9). Answer: None of us! So don't beat yourself up about it. Do the wise thing, which is to learn from your errors and move on. Life is too short not to pursue an abundant life, and wisdom is one of the ways to secure a life of joy.