I realize that the Scriptures have quite a bit to say about the importance of seeking rewards, or what the apostle Paul calls, “the prize”. Listen to what he wrote:
1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (NIV)
24 “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. 25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 26 Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. 27 No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”
So what is that prize? I would suggest that he tells us what it is in the following passage, Philippians 3:12
(NIV) 12 “Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.”
Perhaps we could say that to be what Christ redeemed each of us to be is its own reward. Just to become what he had on his heart when he took hold of us is the prize. Nothing else is needed. Nor could it ever be improved on or added to for anything other than what Jesus had in mind would be less than his highest and best for us.
I’m convinced that all promised rewards set before us in Scripture find their consummation in this — taking hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of us. And to be what Jesus wants us to be is perfect blessedness, fulness of joy.
