A Great Reward

We admire those who give of themselves for others. The term for this is altruism. People give of their time, money and even their lives for a cause. Sometimes it is damaging, and such behavior causes dependence to the receiver, as in a spoiled child or someone who doesn't know how to work. It isn't unusual to see a rich kid who squanders the wealth given to him. Some say that no one can be altruistic because we always have some sort of reward in mind. For instance, a mother of the spoiled child wants to feel needed. We only sacrifice to bring a benefit of some kind to ourselves.  How many religions promise eternal rewards? We see even the best politician will make sure he gets the full benefits of his office. What is in it for me? A protester might want more freebies with less work.

The point in this is that selfishness itself is neither good nor bad. Selflessness is the same way. Either one can be destructive if misapplied or have great benefits if applied properly. A self-indulgent person only thinks of the pleasure of the moment and doesn’t think about the future. A temperate person will forgo pleasures for a greater good. Both are in self-interest. The latter contains better rewards unless, of course, it is in excess. This person could be a miser and never enjoy the rewards.

So when we look at Easter and the sacrifice given by God, we have to ask ourselves, what was in it for him? Why would someone who can create whatever he wants, live on this crappy earth and suffer like he did? Well, the answer to that one is easy…his reward is you.