Matthew 6:33 “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

Psalm 37:4 “Delight thyself also in the LORD; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart.”

Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

II Chronicles 7:14 “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

Professional baseball commentator and former Major League Baseball player Doug Glanville wrote a powerful and articulate article this week about inductees into the Hall of Fame in a sport stained by the use of steroids.  In the midst of the article he quotes an ethicist who reminds us of an important truth: “You reward what you value.” 

This poignant statement is true in your life and it is true in leadership.  It is true as a person, as a professional, as a parent, as a pastor, and as a parishioner.  It shapes your personality, your family, your climate, your church, your organization, and your culture.  It shapes a nation!  What is rewarded, and promoted, and recognized becomes who we are.  And, it comes with two equally powerful corollaries:

  • What you reward proves what you really value
  • What you reward powerfully reinforces your desired personal or organizational values

God’s contingent promises are based on this proverb.  The Lord values faithfulness, focus, trust, humility, prayerfulness, selflessness, righteousness, and repentance.  As a result, he rewards those with these characteristics with joy, peace, grace, direction, motivation, wellness, and revival. 

The world values the antithesis of these characteristics.  And while your Christ-centered lifestyle may not be valued or rewarded by our society, it is God’s rewards that are far more fulfilling than anything offered by a world characterized by turmoil, conflict, contention, rebellion, confusion, depression, and degradation.

PLEASE PRAY FOR AMERICAN CHRISTIANS TO LIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH GOD-DIRECTED CHARACTERISTICS THAT THE LORD VALUES AND REWARDS.  You reward what you value; He certainly does!

The article mentioned above can be found at:

https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/33181692/doug-glanville-why-glad-barry-bonds-elected-hall-fame