The Place of Works: Small Works Count Too
by David Chadwick
There is a place for works in the life of a believer. We have been saved by grace through faith, but because of that salvation, we have now been called to good works.
Even the smallest acts of kindness and the tiniest displays of obedience are noticed by Jesus and will be rewarded in heaven one day. Jesus clearly taught this in Matthew 10:42. He said, “And whoever gives one of these littles ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”
Take note of Jesus’s heart for “the little ones.” He certainly had such a heart for those young in their faith, but especially loved the young children! To put it even more bluntly, he was really ticked off at his disciples for trying to prevent kids from getting to him because the kingdom of heaven belonged to them (Matthew 19:14).
In Jesus’s economy, the smallest act of kindness - something as simple as a cup of cold water - yields an eternal reward.
Always remember that Jesus sees everything we do. Even small acts of kindness are seen, noted, and will eventually be rewarded in heaven. The rewards will come at the bema seat in heaven after we die. The bema seat is also referred to as the judgement seat.
Knowing that we will give an account for our works should motivate all of us to do more good works. As you hear me say so often, “Be the church! Just go!” It doesn't have to be complicated. Just do something!
The message of Jesus certainly is rooted in grace. But the Bible says that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). So as you lean on the grace and mercy of Jesus, cultivate the fear of the Lord as well. None of us should want to sit at the bema judgment seat one day without any rewards, even small ones.
Today, look for ways throughout your day to give a moment of hope to someone. Maybe it’s with your words, or a kind gesture, or just a simple smile. Each time, remember that there is a place for works and that one day you will be rewarded.