Do we live only for the reward?

Question

It seems like people only do good deeds for the chance to live forever in heaven. Is that how you live? Cuz I know I sure don't. I do it to see a smile on someone's face. What about you?

Answer 1

My salvation (place in heaven) was sealed when I accepted Jesus into my heart. I won't get their by my works and or deeds.

I do what I do to glorify God/Jesus and his kingdom...the glory is not for me.

I have been blessed and want to bless others.

Grace to you and God Bless!

Answer 2

I believe everyone is selfish at times, but that doesn't mean people can't change.

I usually do good deeds to make people feel better and to get a sense of accomplishment that I achieved something good and I affected that life in some inexplainable way. In might be something small like talking to someone when they've had a bad day, but sometimes you can relate to them, and that makes all the difference. I know what you mean. I wish all people would do what was right, not for the reward, but for the good way it makes you and the other person feel - happier... Everyone has a purpose in this world and some people live their entire lives being selfish so they never really find out what their purpose in life is.

Answer 3

Deeds are like grinding out hamburger or saving in the bank.
" Works " that are done out of a heart full of gratitude, expectant, are like the renewing look seeing a loved ones' face, or a crystal spring. Both flow, not self conscious, and are natural. Like this Q&A thing. You can do it two ways; For fun, mutual exchange and personal growth, or just rack up the points.

Answer 4

Good question. I'm glad you asked it.

For some, yeah - I think the 'reward of Heaven' is what drives them...

For some - probably the fear of hell. (To "Fear" God, is to show respect/reverance for him...because you're acknowledging how GREAT & POWERFUL He is.)

(both valid reason, btw...)

Me personally,

- I serve God in those type of ways out of grattitude (for Christ dying on Calvary...)

- Also because I feel like I'm doing the right thing; when I perform a good deed...

- Also, because I like to see other's smile as well.

Answer 5

Good deeds alone won't get you to heaven. I do good things because there are people out there less fortunate than myself and I would like to make a difference.

Answer 6

Until I have definite proof that the Christian way of doing things is the only true or right way of doing things, then I will continue doing things the way that I do because it's the moral and kind thing to do. What God thinks of me or my actions is none of my business since I can't control that. My actions need to make me feel at peace because I need to be able to love and live with myself in the here and now.

Answer 7

human beings should keep in mind that heaven and hell are present, and we should aspire for paradise, but holy living should be a blessing and not a curse. personally, i live for gods presence in my life, having faith that at the end if i had been a good catholic christian before the eyes of god, i will be rewarded

Answer 8

i do not think so much about the spirit world,if i will be rewarded,i think about now,what quality of life i want to live,i do the right thing because,it is the right thing,it causes a balance in which i can live a good life.

Answer 9

We all live in a society where cause and effect are needed for feel identity.
Living without a purpose leads to depression and loss of self worth

Answer 10

If I do something good for someone, It usually is my way of rewarding for not trying to fool me or scam me.

I dont live for it, and I`m usually prepared for scammers better than they think.