This week the headlines have been about the presidential primary and who will be the GOP candidate. Interviews during the New Hampshire primary reveal that everyone is hoping their candidate will improve life for Americans.
Despite Jesus assuring us that we will face trials in this life (John 16:33,) most people are more concerned about being rewarded, than what is good and right according to God. Many are calling for a civil war to ensure they get the results and rewards they want.
It is no longer a fight between Democrats and Republicans but between good and evil within the self-proclaimed conservative party. We have our own issues and corruption to deal with amongst conservatives.
- Lies
- Greed
- Pride
Historically, the G.O.P. has been the “conservative” party with Christian values. We Champion human rights and freedom, protect the rule of law, and live by a moral code. We believe people reap what they sow, either rewards or punishment.
Rewards
Christianity values the concepts of law and order because we serve a God of order and not chaos ( 1 Corinthians 14:33.) Mature believers understand there are consequences for our auctions, rewards are assigned to those who do what is right, and punishment for those who do what is wrong (Matthew 5:16, John 15:5.)
God’s faithfulness and grace aren’t licenses to disobey Him and live however we choose. God gave His people the law to help them do what is right, not to point out the wrongs of others.
Jesus made it clear, not everyone goes to Heaven (Matthew 7:22-23.) The Apostle Paul was very familiar with the Jewish teachings of rewards and punishment (1 Corinthians 15:58, Romans 14:12, Ephesians 2:10.)
Shillumath
Rewards and punishment are very basic in Judaism. The Hebrew word for reward used the Old Testament is Shillumath and depending on its context, it can also mean punishment. Rewards can be good or bad depending on one’s actions (Job 34:11, Psalm 62:12.)
In Judaism, there are different levels of Heaven and hell based on one’s actions. Below are seven levels of Heaven allotted to God’s faithful.
- Vilon
- Raki’a
- Shehaqim
- Zebul
- Ma’on
- Machon
- Araboth
Jesus frequently reminded His followers about God rewarding those who obey God (Luke 11:28, John 14:23.) Our Jewish forefathers understood the rewards of obeying God (Deuteronomy 28:1-8, Nehemiah 8:10, Malachi 3:10.)
The Apostle Paul reminded the early church of the consequences of disobeying God and the punishment that comes from God (2:6-10, Romans 6:23.) Punishment is the reward for those who do evil in the sight of God.
Punishment
It is a basic Christian teaching that all sin leads to death and is the consequence of our actions. Death is the punishment for mankind’s disobedience in the garden. There are physical and spiritual punishments for our disobedience.
Punishment isn’t always bad for us, the author of Hebrews tells us that God disciplines His people because He loves them (Hebrews 12:6.) Earthly rewards are to encourage us to do what is right, not to encourage us to pursue temporary things.
Jesus warned His followers about the rewards of doing what is wrong (Matthew 13:41-49; 16:27.)
- Lying
- Greed
- Pride
- Selfishness
Currently, most conservatives are more concerned about building walls at the southern border to protect their interests than helping those in need. Immigrants have been vilified for seeking shelter in a nation that claims to be blessed by God.
Yet, Americans forget Jesus’ command to care for those in need (Matthew 25: 35-40.) It is a dark day for America when God’s people are obsessed with earthly rewards (Shillumath.)
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