Recently, a friend said to me something like, "I feel like every time I do the right thing, being honest, following orders, being nice and respectful, it backfires on me." Although I responded in what I think was an appropriate way, I decided to write a more detailed response. There are often different ways in which rewards manifest themselves. We like to be rewarded for our actions immediately, probably because as children we are instantly compensated for our actions, whether with words or treats or some other special prize. But when we get older, this happens less and less, and it is easy to get discouraged when we do what is right time and again, but see no fruit from our behavior. Sometimes we even get criticized or condemned for our good actions, and that is usually the hardest to take. We start to question whether doing the right thing is even worth it. In that moment, the answer can be found in Scripture, specifically in 1 Peter 4:12-19:
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in that name...
Therefore let those who suffer according to God's will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.
Our response to suffering for doing the right thing should be rejoicing and thanking God for his working in our lives, which is so counterintuitive to the world's way of thinking. When we respond properly, we will also receive rewards in this life and the next, and though these are delayed, we can still wait in the hope of receiving them. What are these rewards? In this life, it is a reformation of our character, and in the next life it is a sharing in Christ's glory, which is worth any mistreatment in this life. James 1:2-4, 12 explain better than I can:
Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing....Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.
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