Rewarded For My Righteousness

Rewarded For My Righteousness is a simple thought Lectionary reflection from Psalm 18:20-30 on the fact that we can receive rewards for what we do right today.

November 3, 2015 Year B

Psalm 18:20-30

You might ask yourself: What is the point of living right as a Christian? Is it worth it in the end? While there are rewards in the end for living the right life for Jesus (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 4:14, 2 Corinthians 5:9), there are also rewards for just living right today.

In this psalm, the writer shows a variety of rewards for living the right way – God’s way (Psalm 18:21-22). When I keep myself from sinning, God rewards “according” to my cleanliness and righteousness” (Psalm 18:23-24). This doesn’t mean that I am perfect. But it means that when I live right, I don’t suffer the natural consequences of sin.

God proves His character to me when I show the characteristic in myself (Psalm 18:25-26):

Faithful
Blameless
Pure

At the same time, God helps us when things go wrong, even though I am following God’s way (Psalm 18:27). God leads me out of the path of darkness and He gives me an opportunity to overcome barriers (Psalm 18:28-29).

God’s way is perfect and when I follow His word, I will be rewarded in this life, not just the next (Psalm 18:30).

Prayer: God, thank You for rewarding me for my righteousness, for showing the right path for me to follow.