God as Our Greatest Reward: Choosing Jesus Above All Else

Summary

This article explores why God Himself is the greatest reward for believers. Using Abram’s refusal of earthly riches, it shows that true treasure is not wealth, success, or recognition, but knowing God. Earthly rewards fade, but Jesus offers eternal wisdom, salvation, and friendship. As Scripture teaches, our hearts follow what we value most, and nothing compares to choosing Christ as our supreme treasure.

Rewards That Shape Our Efforts

Rewards motivate us to toil and sweat to receive them. I studied hard in college to be accepted into a highly regarded graduate school so I could earn an advanced degree and qualify for a good-paying job. The last part didn’t happen. Life doesn’t always work out as we plan.

Unexpected Paths and God’s Provision

Becoming a pastor hadn’t been part of my initial vision. Saying most pastors in my denomination had “good-paying jobs” would likely be part of a joke. But God provided financially in an unexpected way.

Earthly Rewards and Lasting Blessings

My wife is a college graduate who has worked since she graduated. This year we will celebrate our fiftieth anniversary. She earned more money than I have every year of our marriage, and most years, the race wasn’t even close.

Marrying her is my reward—but not my greatest reward or yours, if you are a Christian.

Abram’s Refusal of Lesser Riches

Christians can identify with God’s promise to Abram in Genesis 15:1. Abram’s nephew, Lot, was captured when four kings attacked Sodom. Abram rescued Lot and recovered all the stolen goods.

When the king of Sodom offered Abram the riches, Abram refused. He did not want a pagan king to claim credit for his prosperity.

God As Our Greatest Reward

After Abram’s refusal, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I will protect you, and your reward will be great” (Genesis 15:1). God promised not merely blessings, but Himself, as Abram’s reward.

The Value of Knowing God Above All

Instead of owning all the gold in the world, it is far better to know the One who made it. It is better to know the Savior who died for sinners than to possess the world’s applause or power.

Jesus, the Treasure of Wisdom and Life

Jesus is the sure foundation of our lives, the storehouse of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge. All the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are found in Him. God Himself is our treasure.

Choosing Christ as Supreme Treasure

As our hearts follow what we value most, Scripture asks what could be greater than Jesus. Like Moses, who valued Christ above Egypt’s riches, believers confess with confidence: we would rather have Jesus than anything this world can offer.

1.     I'd Rather Have Jesus | Hymnary.org

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