To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Week 5, Day 4 - Our Help Often Comes from People in the Church
To the Ends of the Earth: Legacy – Week 1, Day 1 – God Cares About Our Efforts and Rewards Them
Photo by Ashin K Suresh on Unsplash
“Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.’”
Matthew 25:34–40
God wants us to lay up our treasures in heaven (see Mt 6:20). We must be careful, then, about how we build upon the foundation he has established in our lives, working out our salvation with fear and trembling (Phil 2:12). God allows our efforts to produce real fruit in our lives and in the lives of those who come after us. In the end, his cleansing fire will reveal what that fruit has been (1 Cor 3:13), and we will receive God’s reward for our efforts.
What we do matters, not only because God allows our actions to have an impact on the world, but because as Christians, we are called to do all for his glory. The deeds we do on earth determine the reward we will receive from God. And let us remember that our service — especially to the least in God’s kingdom — also leaves a legacy for future generations.
Questions for reflection
Are you laying up your treasure in heaven, or are you sometimes tempted to plan only for the needs of this life?
How are you connecting your works of mercy with God’s overall plan for your life?
Where have you seen your labors produce real fruit in the life of someone else?
Praying with Scripture
Whatever your task, work heartily, as serving the Lord and not men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward; you are serving the Lord Christ. (Col 3:23–24)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
You can watch and listen to this devotion HERE
Recommended Stories
More Stories By :
About the Author
Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
