Jesus has always many who love His heavenly kingdom, but few who bear His cross.
He has many who desire consolation, but few who care for trial.
He finds many to share His table, but few to take part in His fasting.
All desire to be happy with Him; few wish to suffer anything for Him.
Many follow Him to the breaking of bread, but few to the drinking of the chalice of His passion.
Many revere His miracles; few approach the shame of the Cross.
Many love Him as long as they encounter no hardship; many praise and bless Him as long as they receive some comfort from Him.
Do not those who always seek consolation deserve to be called mercenaries?
Do not those who always think of their own profit and gain prove that they love themselves rather than Christ?
Where can a man be found who desires to serve God for nothing?
–Thomas à Kempis
If we are only serving God because we are hoping for some reward to bless us (whether material stuff on earth, good health during life, or even heaven after our earthly death), then we have not chosen to serve God for the right reason.
A parent hopes that a child isn’t obeying only due to the hope of getting some toy or treat or other bribe. A parent hopes that a child will obey due to their love for their dad or mom. God the Father has the same desire for us… that we would choose to obey Him not for some reward He could give, but rather because we love Him so much because He first loved us so much… all the way to the cross.
God help me to desire to serve You for no other reason than because I love you so much.
Help me to know that Your Presence is the only reward that truly matters.