Like the hireling we must fulfill our day, then at evening we shall have our penny. Too many Christians look for a reward for their labors, and if they meet with success, they begin doting upon it as though they had received their recompense.

Like the disciples who returned saying, “Lord, even the devils are subject unto us” (Luke 10:17), they rejoice too exclusively in present prosperity; whereas the Master bade them not to look upon miraculous success as being their reward, since that might not always be the case.

“Notwithstanding,” said he, “in this rejoice not, that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice, because your names are written in heaven” (Luke 10:20). Success in the ministry is not the Christian minister’s true reward: it is an earnest, but the wages still wait.

The approbation of your fellow men you must not look upon as being the reward of excellence, for often you will meet with the reverse; you will find your best actions misconstrued and your motives ill interpreted. To be despised and rejected of men is the Christian’s lot.

Among his fellow Christians he will not always stand in good repute. It is not unmitigated kindness nor unmingled love that we receive even from the saints. I tell you if you look for your reward to Christ’s bride herself, you will miss it.

“When the King shall come in his glory,” then is your time of recompense; but not today, nor tomorrow, nor at any time in this world.

Charles Spurgeon

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End notes:

[1] Charles Spurgeon, At the Master’s Feet [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2005], November 17.

See also:

TEACHINGS OF DEMONS ON CHURCH GROWTH

THE WATCHMAN

KNOW YOUR BIBLE