REWARD AND PUNISHMENT

I do not believe anything in the normal psyche of a person should be influenced eternally by the idea of a reward or punishment. If we are…then I think we are performers trying to please the Father by our goodness and works…earning something or not earning something. A pass/fail grade.

Reward for being good is like the doting mother giving the child a cookie for good behavior. Heaven as a cookie for being good has no motivation for me. Living in the presence and shadow of the Father now and forever has great motivation.

Punishment for not being good is like the doting father not giving the child a Popsicle because of bad behavior. Hell as threat for being bad has little motivation to change my behavior. Living without the presence of a loving Father has great motivation.

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him. Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” Jesus