Deferred Gratification

Luke 6:23 - Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. 

The American Way of Life is wonderful in many ways. Our reward–centered work ethic and opportunities for all led to the greatest economy in history. Our market-based economic approach has spread throughout the world. It has spurred technological advances in every field. People are better off than at any time in history. However, the American Way of Life has also led to a greater compulsion to place our desires and passions on the things that this world’s economy can provide for us. This “now” focus has distracted the minds and hearts of many of us American Christians.

Luke 6:20-26 sounds similar to the more well-known Beatitudes of Matthew 5:1-10. 

However, there are some distinctive differences. The two sermons were given at different locations. Matthew 5 is part of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1), while Luke 6 is known as the Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:17). Another significant difference in this section is the contrast between the situations of people “now” and the heavenly reward that waits for the faithful. The rich, the powerful, the famous all get their rewards in this life and miss the real rewards God has for those without now. These rewards never end.

When we have a selfish and materialistic “now” focus, we miss opportunities to serve others, to give, to worship. Our hearts become full with things that will not last. When we put our hearts on God and do things that will last forever, then we have reason to leap for joy.