952 Rewards of Consent - Philemon 1:15-16

What's the big deal about giving a gift?   "For this perhaps is why he was separated from you for a brief time, so that you might get him back permanently, no longer as a slave, but more than a slave- as a dearly loved brother- especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord." Philemon 15-16 CSB   Have you ever noticed how the choice makes something more valuable? If I give you $20, you would appreciate that more than if I was simply giving you a $20 bill that you had given me. If I owe you the $20, or if I purchase something from you for $20, it's different than if I just give you $20.   The same goes for just about anything else. We must choose to follow Jesus. One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess Jesus is Lord, (Isaiah 45:23, Philippians 2:10).   Our need to choose shows up over and over again. Some estimate thousands of times a day. When we choose to do the right things, the rewards are more valuable. If we do those right things under compulsion, well, not so much.   Today, because we follow Jesus, we can choose to do what he would want, or not. We can show love to others. We can live productive lives. We can serve others, ready to give a defense for the hope we have (1 Peter 3:15). Or we can choose to be selfish, self-centered, focused only on our own needs and desires.   The next choice you make can matter forever. You can choose to give a cup of cold water, just because you're a disciple of Jesus. And in Mark 10:45, Jesus said you will not lose your reward for that action. We can choose to obey the Holy Spirit. He is speaking to you. He is prompting you to make a difference in the lives of the people you work with. Make a choice. Take an action. Don't let another moment pass.   Let's focus on what we can do. Give something away. Choose to bless someone else today and watch God work. You will give up a little selfishness, but, if God is who he claims to be, the rewards will be great.